By Bukola Adebukola
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Ekiti state chapter, has joined their counterparts across the nation on an indefinite strike.
A visit to Ekiti State House of Assembly by our reporter showed that the gates to the complex were under lock and key, preventing members of staff and lawmakers from gaining access to the legislative building.
In an interview with newsmen, the PASAN Chairman in Ekiti state, Mr Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe, noted that the strike was necessitated by the failure of the Federal government to approve Financial Autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly.
Mr Oluwajuyigbe’s position was supported by other Executive members who carried placards with various inscriptions such as “implement Financial autonomy of the state Assembly Now” “Payment of Conness for Parliamentary Staff”, “Domicile Pay Point in state Assembly” and others reiterated their determination to continue with the strike until government attends to their demands.
A lawmaker, who was in the Assembly environment at the time of the protest, Mr Tunde Idowu, was not allowed into the premises.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, who was on an official assignment outside the state, spoke with our reporter via the telephone, said that the Conference of Speakers was duly notified of the strike, adding that they were taking steps to address the situation.
Also, the Clerk of the House, Mr Tola Esan, noted that the national leadership of the Association sent a letter to notify them of the strike, but urged PASAN members to maintain peace in the course of their agitation.
