Daud Olatunji
Members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) have sent shockwaves across the nation with their resolute declaration to stage a nationwide strike on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
This action comes in response to their long-standing demands for financial autonomy for State Assemblies and the evident lack of progress.
PASAN, representing the interests of parliamentary staff across the country, had issued a stern 21-day ultimatum back in September to draw attention to their concerns.
Central among these demands is the immediate implementation of financial autonomy for State Assemblies, as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution.
In a letter of notice addressed to the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the Forum of Speakers, and the Department of State Security Services, the workers emphasized that they would not be deterred from their course and issued a striking ultimatum.
The letter, signed by PASAN’s National President, Mohammed Usman, unequivocally reaffirmed the union’s unwavering stance on their demands.
In the letter, President Usman stated, “We reiterate the Union’s preparedness to direct the members to embark on the proposed strike action if its demands are not yielded to.”
The financial autonomy of State Assemblies has been a contentious issue for quite some time, with PASAN asserting that its implementation is vital for the effective functioning of democracy at the state level.
The 1999 Constitution lays down this requirement, and PASAN is determined to ensure its enforcement.
The impending nationwide strike has raised concerns about the potential disruptions it may cause to parliamentary activities at both the national and state levels.
As the October 25 deadline approaches, the ball is now in the court of the authorities, who must decide whether to address PASAN’s demands and avert what could be a significant crisis in Nigeria’s legislative landscape.
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