PASAN Strike in Ekiti State: Parliamentary Staff Demand Financial Autonomy.

PASAN Strike in Ekiti State: Parliamentary Staff Demand Financial Autonomy.

In a show of solidarity with their colleagues nationwide, the Ekiti state chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association (PASAN) has embarked on an indefinite strike, following the directive from the national body.

A visit to the Ekiti State House of Assembly revealed that the gates were firmly locked, with PASAN leaders preventing staff members and lawmakers from accessing the Assembly Complex.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe, Chairman of PASAN Ekiti state branch, highlighted that the strike was a direct response to the failure of the Federal government to grant financial autonomy to state Houses of Assembly. He and other executive members carried placards with inscriptions such as "Implement Financial Autonomy of the State Assembly Now," "Payment of Conness for Parliamentary Staff," "Domicile Paypoint in State Assembly," and more, emphasizing their determination to continue the indefinite strike until their demands are met.

A lawmaker who arrived at the Assembly, Mr. Tunde Idowu, was denied entry as he was unaware of the strike's commencement.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye, who was on official duty outside the state, communicated with our reporter via phone. He confirmed that the Conference of Speakers had been duly informed about the strike by PASAN and was taking steps to address the situation. A tripartite Committee meeting involving the Federal government, Speakers Conference, and Nigerian governors forum is being arranged to seek solutions and discuss the way forward with PASAN leaders.

Additionally, Mr. Tola Esan, the Clerk of the House, mentioned that the national leadership of the Association had sent them a letter about the strike, urging them to maintain peace while conveying their grievances to the government.

The strike has had a significant impact on activities within and around the Assembly Complex, leading to a noticeable reduction in the presence of people and vehicles in the vicinity.