THE Gombe State chapter of the Nigerian Parliamentary Staff Association has closed down the state House of Assembly.
This is in accordance with the association’s statewide strike today.
Hundreds of PASAN members carried placards with various statements on autonomy and chanted solidarity songs including that it is the Assembly’s right, not a privilege.
The state chairman of the association, Mohammed Dukku, told reporters at the main gate of the state assembly, “The measure is the only option considering the fact that the Federal Government failed to obey section 121 (3a) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which pave the way for legislative autonomy.”
According to Dukku, the assembly would remain closed indefinitely, and all assembly staff will remain at home.
Aminu Aliyu, the state secretary of PASAN, also spoke, adding that the closure of the state assembly is in line with the national body’s recommendations in response to the Federal Government’s inability to implement the financial autonomy granted to the houses of assembly.
“This autonomy was granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari nationwide. Despite several meetings, it has not been implemented,” he added.
Also, a member of the union and a staff member of the Assembly, Solomon Livinus, said they support the strike, “even though negotiations are ongoing, but they would remain at home,” Livinus added.
