Ogunlana Warns National Assembly Staff Against Disrupting Parliamentary Activities

Ogunlana Warns National Assembly Staff Against Disrupting Parliamentary Activities
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, has warned staff against threats to shut down the National Assembly over grievances, stressing that protests and petitions must be pursued through lawful channels.
Ogunlana gave the warning while delivering his opening address at the opening ceremony of a training programme for parliamentary staff, organised by the management of the National Assembly.
He said the National Assembly was a critical institution of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy whose activities must not be disrupted in pursuit of disagreements between staff and management.
According to him, parliamentary service is a specialised vocation that demands professionalism, political neutrality, institutional loyalty, discipline and commitment to constitutionalism.
He noted that the competence, integrity and professionalism of parliamentary personnel were critical to the quality of democracy, adding that staff must appreciate the wider implications of their conduct, both within the workplace and on social media.
The Clerk expressed concern over what he described as persistent opposition, misrepresentation and allegations against management’s reform initiatives, saying some staff members had questioned administrative decisions before establishing the relevant facts.
He, however, acknowledged the right of workers to express grievances, seek clarification, demand accountability and question management decisions, but insisted that such rights must be exercised responsibly and through established channels.
“There is a fundamental difference between constructive criticism and deliberate misrepresentation; between legitimate grievance and unfounded accusation; and between the exercise of the right to petition and the use of petitions as instruments of intimidation or reputational damage,” he said.
Ogunlana disclosed that management had received reports of petitions to external investigative agencies containing serious allegations against the National Assembly management, as well as complaints concerning salaries, statutory deductions, pension contributions and the administration of staff union dues.
He maintained that allegations of financial impropriety should be investigated objectively and supported by verifiable evidence, rather than speculation or assumptions.
On the controversy surrounding an alleged 50 per cent short payment of salaries in 2026, reportedly linked to a gentlemen’s agreement among stakeholders in 2010, the Clerk said the matter required a careful examination of relevant agreements, applicable laws, budgetary provisions, financial records and administrative procedures before conclusions could be reached.
He also called for an objective examination of allegations concerning tax and National Housing Fund remittances, pension contributions and the alleged diversion of staff union dues.
“Where there is evidence of wrongdoing, it should be investigated through the appropriate channels, and anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Clerk, however, maintained that the management had continued to meet its obligations to staff, including the payment of salaries and allowances, without outstanding arrears of a day’s salary or allowance, according to records available to management.
He added that National Assembly workers currently enjoyed enhanced salaries and allowances compared with those available in much of the mainstream public service.
Ogunlana said the management remained committed to improving staff welfare, strengthening administrative efficiency, promoting transparency and reforming the institutional framework of the National Assembly service.
He explained that the reforms, although sometimes difficult, were necessary to build a modern parliamentary service capable of meeting contemporary legislative demands.
The Clerk further urged staff to exercise restraint over reports of threats to shut down the National Assembly and disrupt parliamentary activities, warning that such actions could undermine institutional security, interrupt legislative business and affect the discharge of constitutional responsibilities.
He said disagreements between workers and management should not be allowed to compromise the continuity and credibility of the legislature.
“Grievances should be channelled through recognised administrative channels, staff representative structures, and other lawful avenues for engagement and resolution. The existence of a grievance does not justify conduct that could undermine the institution we are employed to serve,” he stated.
Ogunlana stressed that loyalty to the National Assembly did not mean unquestioning acceptance of every management decision, but required a collective commitment to protecting the institution while pursuing legitimate concerns through responsible means.
He also urged management to remain open to criticism, acknowledge mistakes and correct shortcomings, while encouraging staff to embrace dialogue, evidence-based engagement and mutual respect.
The Clerk assured personnel that management would not abandon its reform agenda, noting that the initiatives would be pursued in accordance with applicable laws, due process and the institutional requirements of the service.
“Our ambition is to leave this service better than we met it,” he declared.
He added that sustainable reforms could only be achieved through the cooperation and active participation of staff, stressing that institutional development required a partnership based on transparency, accountability and mutual respect.
Ogunlana said the training programme was designed not only to improve technical competence but also to strengthen participants’ understanding of institutional ethics, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, conflict management and accountability.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired to improve their performance and renew their commitment to excellence in parliamentary service.
He further reminded staff that the reputation of the National Assembly was a collective asset that could be undermined by irresponsible conduct, unsubstantiated allegations and actions that placed personal grievances above institutional responsibilities.
Reaffirming his commitment to staff welfare and administrative reforms, Ogunlana said the management would continue to listen, engage and address legitimate concerns in the overall interest of the institution.
He subsequently declared the training programme open, expressing hope that it would provide participants with a rewarding learning experience and strengthen the capacity of the National Assembly workforce.