Autonomy: Oyo, Edo, Kano, Ogun, Ondo Assembly workers begin indefinite strike… 

Following the expiration of the ultimatum given to the Federal Government by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, for the implementation of financial autonomy in legislative houses in the country, PASAN staff in Oyo, Edo, Kano, Ondo and Ogun states, yesterday, commenced an indefinite strike and, consequently, shut gates leading into the Houses of assembly.

The assembly workers in Oyo State, who displayed placards with various inscriptions, to drive home their demands, blocked the entrance of the Assembly.

The industrial action of the legislative staff was as result of the expiration of the ultimatum of the national body of PASAN as well as the peculiar agitations of the state chapter of the union.

The workers, who were led by their chairman, Mr Yemi Alade, are seeking the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to comply with section 121 (3a, 3b and 4a) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

They also want the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structures, CONLESS, for staff of the Assembly and commission.

Chairman of Oyo PASAN, Mr Alade, said the strike was indefinite and the blocking of gates will continue until their demands are met.

Also, the Edo State House of Assembly complex was shut, yesterday, as the members barricaded the gates to the assembly, thereby denying lawmakers from accessing the chambers.

Chairman of PASAN in Edo State, Umaru Haruna said the national president of PASAN, Mr Mohammed Usman had directed all chairmen and Secretaries to mobilize her members for maximum compliance in the protest action yesterday.