The Gombe State Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on Tuesday shut down the state House of Assembly complex in solidarity with the nationwide strike initiated by the association.
Hundreds of PASAN members engaged in the demonstration, displaying placards bearing diverse slogans advocating for autonomy.
WikkiTimes had earlier reported that the Zamfara State chapter of PASAN has sealed the state House of Assembly complex in compliance with the ongoing nationwide strike by the state assemblies over the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the legislature.
The Association stressed that legislative autonomy is not a privilege but a fundamental right of the Assembly.
Autonomy: Parliamentary Staff Officials Seal Zamfara Assembly Complex
While addressing the press at the entrance of the state assembly, Mohammed Dukku, the state Chairman of the association, emphasized that PASAN resorted to the protest as a result of the Federal Government’s failure to adhere to section 121 (3a) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires legislative autonomy.
He explained that the assembly would be closed indefinitely, with all assembly personnel instructed to remain at home.
New Telegraph quoted Aminu Aliyu, the state secretary of PASAN, saying that the closure of the state assembly was to honour the directives of the national body of the association over the non-compliance from the federal government.
“This autonomy was granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari nationwide. Despite several meetings, it has not been implemented,” he added.
