Unpaid severance allowances: Angry legislative aides storm NASS

Legislative aides who served in the 7th National Assembly, on Tuesday, protested over non-payment of their severance entitlements by the assembly authorities.
The protesters, who gathered at the central lobby of the Assembly to express their grievances, were prevented by policemen attached to the legislature from getting to the Clerk of the Assembly’s office.
The policemen, however, allowed some representatives of the aides to move to the office of Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly to present their grievance.
And, in a swift reaction, an internal circular was issued by the acting Director of Personnel Management, Mr M. Abubakar, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa.
The circular urged the protesting aides to exercise patience as the Ministry of Finance had yet to release the money to the Assembly.
“I am directed to inform all legislative aides to exercise more patience regarding payment of their severance gratuity and duty tour allowances.
“The management is making assiduous efforts to get the monies released from the Ministry of Finance.
“I also urge you to maintain the existing good working relationship between National Assembly Management and the legislative aides for an enduring welfare of the legislative aides.
“I wish to assure you that as soon as the monies are released, payment will commence without delay as all preparations have been concluded, ’’ the circular said.
With the emergence of the circular, the protesting former workers at the Assembly dispersed.