Workers from legislative houses in Oyo, Edo, Kano, Ogun, and Ondo states have initiated an indefinite strike, following the expiration of the ultimatum given by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN). Their demand: the implementation of financial autonomy in legislative houses across the country. Consequently, the gates leading into these houses of assembly have been closed, marking a strong protest.
In Oyo State, assembly workers, led by Chairman Mr. Yemi Alade, displayed placards and blocked the entrance of the Assembly. Their demands include the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures and the application of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structures (CONLESS) for assembly and commission staff.
Similarly, in Edo State, the House of Assembly complex was shut down as protesters barricaded the gates, preventing lawmakers from accessing the chambers. Umaru Haruna, Chairman of PASAN in Edo State, emphasized the importance of implementing autonomy for legislative houses, highlighting that it had been passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the former President. He also called for government action to commence the implementation, as it has been pending.
Kano State also witnessed the closure of its Assembly as PASAN staff joined the nationwide strike, following the expiration of the ultimatum. The chairman of PASAN in Kano, Bashir Yahaya, stated that the state Assembly would remain closed until there is a further directive from the national body.
Ogun State saw its PASAN members embark on an indefinite strike to demand the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures. They expressed concern over the non-payment of due salaries and allowances to bureaucratic staff of the legislature, emphasizing the need for compliance with existing laws and the removal of existing anomalies in the payment structure.
In Ondo State, PASAN staff participated in the nationwide strike to emphasize the significance of financial autonomy for state legislatures. The chairman of PASAN in Ondo, Mrs. Omolola Olufemi, stressed the importance of financial autonomy for the growth of the legislature. She also highlighted the necessity of equitable access to resources for parliamentary autonomy.
These strikes underline the urgent need for the implementation of financial autonomy in legislative houses across Nigeria. Workers in these states have joined in solidarity to demand equal access to resources and the removal of existing anomalies in the payment of salaries and allowances. As they stand up for their rights, they hope to contribute to a more transparent and accountable system of governance in the country.
Source: [Vanguard]
