By Charles Igwe
The staff of the Anambra State House of Assembly, organized under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), have initiated an indefinite strike to advocate for the financial autonomy of the legislative arm.
In the wake of the strike’s commencement, reports revealed that, earlier on Monday, staff members who arrived for work at the State House of Assembly were denied entry by the union’s task force.
Addressing the media in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Mr. Abraham Okoye, the Chairman of PASAN in the state, stated that the indefinite strike resulted from the failure of the executive branch of various state governments to grant full financial autonomy to the legislature.
Okoye emphasized, “The association had issued a 21-day ultimatum, followed by an additional seven-day notice. Regrettably, the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has not taken any steps towards implementing our demands.”
He cited Section 121 of the constitution, as amended, which mandates the autonomy of the three arms of government to ensure the separation of powers and maintain checks and balances. Okoye argued that since the governor’s primary agenda is the rule of law and order, it is only fitting for him to set an example by granting full autonomy to the legislature.
The prolonged delay in this process, according to PASAN, has significantly impeded the efficiency of the legislative staff in numerous ways. Okoye also highlighted the subpar infrastructure within the Assembly complex and the inadequate resources available, pointing out the state House of Assembly’s deficiency in operational vehicles despite having 29 standing committees.
The strike action serves as a forceful call for financial autonomy in the state’s legislative branch and emphasizes the critical role it plays in upholding democratic principles.
