Nasarawa parliamentary staff join nationwide strike, demand financial autonomy for state Assemblies

The Nasarawa State Chapter of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), has thrown its weight behind the proposed nationwide strike, calling for the financial autonomy of state legislatures across the country.

Suleiman Oshafu, Chairman of the union in Nasarawa, disclosed the support of his union to the cause during a press briefing in Lafia, on Monday.

Oshafu maintained that the strike action was comprehensive, stating that the state governors should adhere to their demands for financial autonomy for State Houses of Assemblies.

“We are here today to embark on a strike over financial autonomy for the State Houses of Assemblies.

“As financial autonomy will promote accountability, transparency and good governance in the country,”.

Oshafu said that President Muhammadu Buhari had signed an Executive order advocating for financial autonomy of state assemblies over the past three years.

In addition to urging members of the association to abide by the strike, Oshafu called for their cooperation until further directives are issued by the national leadership of the association.

“What we want from the Government is that all state legislatures must be financially autonomous. This strike is nationwide and indefinite strike,

“I call on all PASAN members to comply with the strike and be law-abiding,” The union chairman said.

During the demonstration, members of the association carried placards displaying various inscriptions, including “No going back on financial autonomy,” “Financial autonomy is constitutionally guaranteed,” “Give us our financial autonomy now,” and “Financial autonomy: the only solution to vibrant legislation,” among others.