Edo Assembly Complex Shut Down As Workers Demand Autonomy

Members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in Edo State have joined the nationwide strike of the group over autonomy.

The group, on Monday, picketed the gates to the Edo State House of Assembly, preventing the lawmakers from gaining entry into the complex.

The workers on Monday picketed the gates to the Edo State House of Assembly, preventing the lawmakers from gaining entry into the complex

Their action followed the expiration of the ultimatum given to state governments for the implementation of financial autonomy in Legislative Houses in the country.

The Chairman of PASAN, Edo State Chapter, Umaru Haruna, who addressed journalist at the assembly complex, explained that the National President of PASAN, Mohammed Usman, had directed all chairmen and secretaries to galvanise members into action for a total shut down of activities.

He added that the nationwide peaceful protest was being complied with by Edo State PASAN members after the expiration of two days ultimatum given to the government and governors of the 36 states to implement autonomy in all legislative houses of the country, which was further extended by one week and ended on October 27, 2023.

“The issue of Autonomy is a constitutional matter. You know it has been passed by the National Assembly and was assented to by the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“All we need is for the government to start implementation. But as we speak today, nothing has been done. The 36 states of Houses of Assembly, you can call them rubber stamps because they are not on their feet simply because they are not on autonomy. We are not just fighting for the staff of legislators; we are fighting to deepen the dividends of democracy for Nigerians.

“The essence of separation of power is when autonomy is in operation, but as we speak today, the governors are doing whatever they like, and nobody is asking them questions. This is because the Houses of Assembly on their own dare not speak because they are not autonomous bodies. This is the struggle we are in.”