Due to the government’s failure to implement legislative financial autonomy, an indefinite strike has begun, led by parliamentary workers in Abia State.
On Monday, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) blocked the entrance to the assembly complex, preventing access and displaying a strike notice at the main gate.
State PASAN Chairman, Sunday Kalu, informed journalists that the strike aligns with directives from the national body.
He noted that the action follows the expiration of ultimatums issued on November 19, 2024, and January 30, 2025, concerning the non-implementation of financial autonomy, the Consolidated Legislative Structure (CONLESS), and administrative autonomy.
Kalu recalled that the union had previously embarked on a warning strike in 2023, which was suspended after negotiations with the government. However, he lamented that no progress has been made since then.
“The government formed a commission after our persistent demands, but it is not functioning,” Kalu stated.
He stated that implementing financial autonomy is in accordance with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“Yet, we still find ourselves pleading with the Executive to pay our salaries and allowances. We have a service commission that should grant us administrative autonomy, but it is currently ineffective.
“The personnel files of every worker in the House have been transferred to the Office of the Head of Service. This move has stalled our activities; we can’t process our promotions, and as civil servants, we are unable to manage our files,” Kalu added.
