The National Assembly Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has refuted accusations made against it that it embezzled N3 billion in union money.

In a statement jointly signed by the association’s secretary, Comrade David Ann Ebizimoh, over the weekend in Abuja, PASAN Chairman Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi characterised the accusation as frivolous, ludicrous, and slanderous.

Referring to it as “unfounded blackmail intended to distract the union from pursuing its mandate coherently to the letter,” Sabiyyi urged both the public and union members to ignore it.

Remember that Yusuf Abiola, a PASAN member, sought audited financial accounts and operational reports from the union leadership for the year of 2019 to 2020 during a press conference on Monday in Abuja. Abiola also accused the management of misappropriating the money.

In a statement, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi addressed the accusation, saying, “We have been aware of recent publications that have published slanderous information about financial mismanagement and other issues.

“The National Assembly Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) seeks to correct the record and refute the false accusations made by the Executive of the PASAN NASS Chapter, led by Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, concerning our Association’s financial handling, leadership approach, and demand for change.

Let me start by clearing the air about the accusations of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability made against the Executive Council.

“We would want to reassure the public that the PASAN NASS Executive Council has always managed the Association’s finances in an open and responsible manner.

We have complied with all constitutional requirements and guidelines to guarantee that monies are allocated sensibly and to the advantage of all members.

Additionally, we have kept thorough records of every financial transaction, and we welcome any requests for information or audits that might be necessary in the future.

“Clearly, the 36 State Chapters of PASAN, which comprise the National Assembly Service Commission and NASS Chapters united together, cannot produce the tick off dues and any other stated source of cash, as asserted by the naysayers, to the tune of three (3) billion Naira.

Therefore, it is irrational, cheeky, and absurd to think that the NASS Chapter of the Union spent so much money; this is the creation of our critics.

“The Union calls on every well-meaning PASAN member and member of the public to disregard such baseless blackmail meant to divert the union’s attention from carrying out its mandate in a cogent and exhaustive manner.”

The allegation-pushers were characterised by the union as bitter losers who ran for executive posts but lost to their rival in the elections that resulted in the current leadership of the union.

“We believe that the current leadership is committed to addressing pending issues and determined to implement the necessary reforms,” the union stated, acknowledging the concerns of its members.

“We’ve always been willing to make changes for the association’s betterment and have been open to receiving comments and suggestions from our members.”