The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) National Assembly chapter has experienced a chaotic Congress due to disputes over setting the agenda, leading to officials being called names.
The vice chairman of the Union comrade Ogbaje Matties confirmed the incidence shortly after adjourning the meeting
Addressing the press on behalf of the Chairman, Comrade Ogbaje explained that the disorder erupted when the majority of members insisted on adding two items to the agenda.
He noted that at the start of the Congress, the agenda is typically read out for everyone to hear and approve.
However, a member raised a concern about including two issues— the union’s financial report and accountability— which they agreed to add.
Comrade Ogbaje further explained that when a motion is raised, the chairman should seek the majority’s consent before adding it to the agenda, however, the members’ rowdiness prevented this process, and they were unwilling to calm down to proceed.
He noted that they spent hours trying to calm the members, but the crowd was too large, leading to the adjournment of the meeting.
Meanwhile, several members, speaking anonymously to the press, expressed disappointment, stating that the officials were elected with high expectations to address numerous issues that had frustrated members before their election, but the officials have remained unresponsive.
They highlighted issues such as the leasing of staff-owned land by the previous executive without following due process and the current executive’s accountability regarding the monthly deduction of one percent from staff salaries.
Similarly, some members accused the current PASAN leadership of being slow in pursuing members’ interests and remaining silent on the specifics of how the monthly deductions are used, along with numerous allegations of mismanaging the union’s funds.
The vice chairman denied the allegations of fund mismanagement, attributing the issues to misunderstandings about procedural follow-ups, possibly due to some staff being newly employed.
He explained that the failure to act swiftly and provide detailed explanations on these matters angered members and triggered the disorder during the meeting, leading many to express a loss of confidence in the current leadership.
Meanwhile, the question is when will all these issues be resolved? Comrade Ogbaje assured that the executive is currently discussing the way forward, and whatever the decision, they will call another meeting to address the issues amicably.
He then urged members to remain calm and supportive as the executive is doing whatever they can to resolve the situation without further misunderstanding the processes.
Ogbaje emphasized that members need to remain calm and listen to the elected officials in an orderly manner so they can explain the situation.
He reminded new staff that everything is done according to established procedures and encouraged them to stay calm and cooperative.
The vice chairman also urged members not to let others use them to disrupt the union’s unity and progress, assuring them that the elected executives are committed to ensuring the welfare of all members, provided they receive the necessary support and understanding.
Cov Bashir M
