Death of Lasun’s aide triggers protest in N/Assembly

The death of Hassan Abiodun, an aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuf Suleiman Lasun, yesterday triggered protest by legislative aides.

The legislative aides blamed the death on the non- payment of salaries and allowances by the National Assembly.

The protesters who wore black attires and carried placards said Hassan was a victim of an unjust treatment by the National Assembly management.

A leader of the protesters, Faduba Dayo said Abiodun died because his salary was not paid as at when due.

“Abiodun died on Saturday June 10, 2017 while waiting for salary to operate his appendicitis. While he hoped, his condition degenerated and the appendicitis ruptured,” he said.

Another aide, Idiongo Achibong said the late Lasun’s aide was billed for surgery penultimate Monday, but inability to pay surgery fee of N165,000 led to his death.

The protesting legislative aides accosted Senate President Bukola Saraki around 11.am when he was on his way to the chamber.

Saraki who assured the aides that their plight would be addressed, mandated his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Gbenga Makanjuola to address them. Makanjuola met the protesters at hearing room 2.

Chief Press Secretary to Saraki told newsmen that the National Assembly management has been summoned over the issue.

Contacted, the Chief of Staff to Lasun, Mr Bimbo Daramola said, “Whoever created the narrative that he died as a result of non payment of salary was not fair to the deceased.

“We are aware that the deceased’s wife is pregnant. We will do everything to support the family, “he said.