UNION CALLS FOR RETURN OF ABIA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY STAFF FILES AND PAYMENT OF OWED SALARIES
PASAN views the actions as assaults on workers' rights, due process, and constitutional order, urging the NLC to intervene to protect parliamentary workers and legislative autonomy.
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), South East Zone, has expressed deep concern and condemned the transfer of Abia State House of Assembly staff files to the Office of the Head of Service, Abia State, describing it as unconstitutional and undermining the administrative autonomy of the Legislative Arm.
According to PASAN, the action violates Sections 4-6 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) on separation of powers, Section 40 on workers’ right to organize, and Sections 10-11 of the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission Law No. 8 of 2019 which vests authority over Assembly staff in the Commission.
The union, in letters addressed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, has called for urgent intervention to return the staff files to the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission and to restore Comrade Promise Onwukwe, PASAN’s National Vice President, to the state payroll system.
Comrade Onwukwe’s inclusion on the payroll is pending despite a directive from Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, according to PASAN.
The union demands payment of all outstanding arrears of salaries and entitlements for Comrade Onwukwe.
PASAN views the actions as assaults on workers’ rights, due process, and constitutional order, urging the NLC to intervene to protect parliamentary workers and legislative autonomy.
The union affirms commitment to dialogue but warns it will deploy legitimate means to protect members and defend legislative autonomy if matters aren’t resolved.
The union’s Zonal Executive Council meeting held in Awka, Anambra State, on August 27, 2025, noted the developments with displeasure, calling them encroachments on workers’ rights and legislative independence.