TheCable

State assemblies have been shut across the country following the indefinite strike embarked upon by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).

The legislative staff are protesting the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the state legislature.

Activities at the various legislative complexes were grounded as of Tuesday morning as the staff stayed out of their offices.

PASAN declared the indefinite strike on Monday after several protests to press home their demand for the autonomy.

Usman Mohammed, its national president, had said at a press briefing in Abuja that the industrial action became necessary following the unwillingness of the federal government to implement the financial autonomy act of 2018 and a presidential order to that effect.

“The union having exhausted all attempts aimed at asking for the implementation of the financial autonomy by the federal government after 21 days, 14 days and seven days ultimatums; at this juncture, the union has no other option than to direct our members to embark on an indefinite strike,” he had said.

Two weeks ago, the legislative staff held a demonstration at the National Assembly complex after the expiration of the last ultimatum issued to President Muhammadu Buhari over the matter.

In May 2020, the president signed an executive order granting financial autonomy to the legislature and judiciary across the 36 states.

The gazetting of the order was, however, suspended after the president met with governors — triggering rumours that the governors were frustrating the move.

But Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto state governor, recently said the governors and other stakeholders will soon meet to finalise the framework for the implementation of the financial autonomy.