Facts emerged at the weekend that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) paid a total sum of N10,455,891,967.43 billion into the coffer of the National Assembly.
This was contained in a letter titled: ‘Confirmation or balances,’ dated October 21, 2018, and addressed to Sani Omolori, Clerk of the National Assembly, co-signed by CBN’s director of finance department and director, banking and payments department.
“In connection with the audit of our financial records, we would appreciate your confirming direct to our external auditors, within one week of receipt of this letter: Ernest & Young Services and KPMG Professional Services the following regarding our balances above N5 billion with us as at 30 October, 2018. TSA Account No. 002068142065 the sum of N10,455,891,967.43.
“Please state below whether or not the information given above is in agreement with your records. If not, please furnish any additional records which you have that may assist in reconciling the difference,” the one page letter read.
Meanwhile, the aggrieved workers under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) have issued a fresh notice for four-day warning strike to press home the demand for payment of 28 percent increment and implementation of new condition of service.
According to the letter addressed to the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, the strike action is coming three days to the laying of the 2019 budget proposal before the joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The warning strike notice was contained in a letter dated December 14, 2018, titled: ‘Notification of a four-day warning strike.’
While responding to inquiry on the action taken so far by the leadership of the National Assembly, Abdulrasak Namdas, chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, assured that necessary consultation was ongoing.
“We are intervening and we are still on the matter, we even invited and interacted with the Minister of Finance yesterday (Friday) and the interaction was to know why the money that was supposed to be released to the workers was not released.
“That is to show the extent we are willing to go for the workers to get their dues.
“What we are appealing for now is for he workers to continue to be very understanding. The budget is to be presented by Wednesday; we all know the possible implication on the entirety of Nigerians, if the document is not presented on that day.
“Our appeal is that since we are still very much on the issue and engaging the critical stakeholders, the workers should reconsider their stand and let the engagement continue for a quick resolution,” the House spokesman urged.
