PASAN BEGINS INDEFINITE STRIKE IN ANAMBRA

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, (PASAN), Anambra State Chapter, has embarked on an indefinite strike over non implementation of full legislative financial autonomy by the Anambra State Government.

In a circular signed by the Chairman,l of the Association, Mr. Abraham Okoye, and his Secretary, Comrade Ugochukwu Obiwulu, the body noted that the industrial action followed a circular received from the national body of the association.

According to the circular posted at the entranc of the State Assembly complex, the Association observed that the Anambra State Government “is foot dragging the implementation of the legislative financial autonomy despite receiving series of letters from both the state and national body of PASAN.”

The circular, which was addressed to the Speaker, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, explained that the state government’s failure to also implement the Memorandum of Understanding reached with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, through the Conference of Speakers, warranted the National secretariat of PASAN to direct all its members to embark on an indefinite industrial action with effect from Thursday 28 March 2024.

The letter, which is dated 27th March 2024, further indicated that the strike followed the expiration of the ultimatum issued on the 6th of March 2024.

When Radio Nigeria arrived at the Legislative complex in Awka, the entrance gate was open but there was no presence of staff within the premises as only security personnel were sighted on duty.

The lawmakers after sitting on Tuesday 26th March adjourned to Thursday the 28th of March 2024 for plenary but as at the time of filling this report, neither the Speaker, the Clerk nor any of the legislators had arrived at the Legislative complex.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU