National Assembly On Security Alert As Legislative Aides Plan Protest

 

The management of the National Assembly on Monday morning alert security personel in and around the premises apparently to thwart a planned protest by some legislative aides.

The aides, under the auspices of Salary Arrears Affected Legislative Aides (SAALA), had vowed to ground activities at the National Assembly beginning from today over alleged non-payment of their 2019 salary arrears and allowances in the sum of N3.1 billion.

It was gathered that there is increased presence of security personnel including anti-riot and regular policemen, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and Sergeant-at-Arms in the complex.

They were seen manning various entrances and exits in the complex.

It was also 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.

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 said.

According to them, while over 1,300 aides were still being owed salary arrears, none of the 2,345 legislative aides has received the consequential adjustment on minimum wage, since their appointments in June 2019.