The leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has denied the allegation of misappropriating N3 billion union funds levelled against it.
A member of PASAN, Yusuf Abiola, had, at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, accused the union executive of misappropriating the sum.
He demanded audited financial statements and operational reports from 2019 till date from the executive.
However, in his reaction to the allegation, the chairman of PASAN, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, in a statement jointly signed by the secretary of the association, Comrade David Ann Ebizimoh, described the allegation as baseless, frivolous and defamatory.
Sabiyyi called on members of the union and the general public to disregard what he described as “unfounded blackmail intended to distract the union from pursuing its mandate coherently to the letter.”
The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent defamatory publication of financial mismanagement and others.
“The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, National Assembly Chapter wishes to put the records straight and debunk the libellous allegations that the executive of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) NASS Chapter under the leadership of Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi regarding our association’s financial management, leadership style, and the call for reform.
“Firstly, to set the records straight, let me address the alleged financial mismanagement and lack of accountability raised against the Executive Council.
“We want to assure the general public that the NASS Executive Council of PASAN has always been transparent and accountable in managing the association’s finances.
“We have followed all the constitutional procedures and protocols to ensure that funds are used appropriately and for the benefit of all members.
“We have also maintained accurate records of all financial transactions, and we
are open to any inquiries or audits that may be required at any time.
“Clearly the check-off dues and any other purported source of funds as alleged by the detractors to the tune of three (3) billion naira cannot be generated by the 36 state chapters and FCT Zone of PASAN, which includes NASS and National Assembly Service Commission Chapters joined together.
“Thus, it is unreasonable, mischievous and ludicrous to imagine that the NASS chapter of the union expended such magnitude of money, a figment of the imagination of our detractors.
“The union calls on every well-meaning member of the PASAN and the general public to disregard such unfounded blackmail intended to distract the union from pursuing its mandate coherently to the letter.”
The union described those peddling the allegation as sore losers who contested for executive positions but were defeated by their opponent during the elections that ushered in the present executive of the union.
“We understand the concerns of our members, and we believe that the current leadership is committed to addressing pending issues and determined to implement the necessary reforms.
“We have always been open to feedback and suggestions from our members and have always been willing to make changes for the betterment of the association,” the union added.
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