Parliamentary Staff Association Shuts Gates to Edo State House of Assembly, Demands Autonomy
In a bold show of protest, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in Edo State have blockaded the gates to the Edo State House of Assembly.
This action comes after the expiration of the ultimatum for the implementation of financial autonomy in legislative houses across the country.
As a result of this protest, lawmakers were unable to access the chamber, causing disruption and drawing attention to the issue. The nationwide industrial strike commenced on Monday, as directed by Comrade Mohammed Usman, the national president of PASAN. Umaru Farouk Haruna, Chairman of PASAN Edo state Chapter, highlighted the reasons behind the stir.
Haruna emphasized that the peaceful protest was in compliance with the directive from the national president. The ultimatum for implementing autonomy in all legislative houses had expired after two days, and subsequently, an extension was granted for an additional week, ending on October 27, 2023.
He said, “Autonomy is a constitutional matter that has been passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the former president, Muhammadu Buhari. We are simply urging the government to initiate the implementation. However, to this day, no action has been taken. The 36 states’ Houses of Assembly have become mere rubber stamps. Their lack of autonomy hinders their independence. Our fight extends beyond the staff; it aims to enhance democracy for all Nigerians.”
Haruna further emphasized the importance of separation of powers in a functional democratic system but lamented that currently, governors act without restraint, while the Houses of Assembly remain voiceless due to their lack of autonomy. He articulated the significance of their struggle in addressing these issues head-on.
