The management of the National Assembly, in the early hours of Monday, beefed up security in and around the premises apparently to stop a planned protest by some legislative aides.
It was gathered that the legislative aides, under the auspices of Salary Arrears Affected Legislative Aides (SAALA), had vowed to paralyze activities at the National Assembly beginning from Monday over alleged non-payment of their 2019 salary arrears and allowances in the sum of N3.1 billion.
Intelligence gathered that there was heavy presence of security personnel including anti-riot and regular policemen, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Sergeant-at-Arms in the complex on Monday.
They were seen manning various entrances and exits in the National Assembly.
It was further observed that the doors leading to the foyer at the White House from the Senate and House of Representatives chambers have not only been shut but being guarded by security operatives.
However, the Chairman of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF), Salisu Zuru, had disowned the group, describing their planned action as illegal.
The SAALA had in a statement said the protest had become necessary to press home their demands.
The statement was signed by the Coordinator of SAALA, Mr. Zebis Prince, and five other members.
The SAALA maintained that they were being owed N3.1 billion, comprising N1.35 billion in salary arrears, and N1.75 billion for consequential adjustment on minimum wage.
“We will picket the National Assembly Complex, as well as the venue of a training organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) billed for Monday, Sept. 27, to press home our demand for better working conditions,” they stated.
Credit: Eons Intelligence
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