Striking Workers Seal Off National Assembly Ahead Of Buhari’s 2019 Budget Presentation

Emerging reports indicate that striking workers in the National Assembly in Abuja have sealed off the assembly’s complex on Monday, while paralyzing electricity and water supply to parliamentary and administrative buildings.

The workers, who picketed the National Assembly complex under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), are protesting non-payment of their salary arrears and allowances by the NASS leadership.

The union, which convened at the main entrance of the complex around 11 a.m. this morning, are embarking on a four-day warning strike to drive their demands.

According to reports, only the main entrance of the NASS complex is currently open as all other entry and exit points to the vicinity have been shut by the striking workers despite the presence of security operatives.

THE WHISTLER reports that unless the NASS leadership resolves the issue, President Muhammadu Buhari may not be able to make his presentation of the 2019 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on Wednesday as planned.

It was learnt that the striking workers chose to commence the four-day strike today to ensure that it drives greater impact especially as President Buhari is billed to appear before the lawmakers in two days time.