The official aides of Nigerian lawmakers under the aegis of Concerned National Assembly Legislative Aides, on Wednesday embarked on a protest over unpaid salaries alleging that N9.6 billion appropriated for the payment is missing.
Penpushing reports that the protesters were sighted at the lobby between the two chambers of the National Assembly, demanding payment of 22 months unpaid salary arrears, minimum wage implementation, duty tour allowance, training and improved condition of service.
The leader of the team Zebis Kekung speaking on behalf of others declared that the two weeks given to the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, to resolve the impasse has elapsed, adding that they got information on good authority that the fund was released for payment of the outstanding obligations.
“Two weeks ago, we were here to protest the non-payment of our salary arrears. It is so sad and unfortunate that after two weeks and we were addressed by the Speaker (Mr Gbajabiamila) who admitted that it is inexcusable to owe workers wages for 22 months. We have it on good authority that these salary arrears were duly appropriated and released on the first line charge’.
“Unfortunately, what the management of the National Assembly is saying that this money is no more there. What happened to the money that was released for this purpose? It is either this money has been embezzled or misappropriated. We don’t know how much was appropriated, but our annual budget is always N9.6billion,” he added.
Penpushing also reports that, on April the aides earlier held a protest and the Speaker while addressing them promised that the issues will be resolved, pointing out that, “we know there are financial constraints but one thing I know is this will be resolved amicably and your arrears will be paid,” he said.
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