Parliamentary workers mobilise for nationwide shutdown of legislative proceedings

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) said it has issued a final mobilisation directive to all the chapters, signaling readiness for the commencement of a nationwide indefinite strike over failure of state governments to meet its demands.

National President of PASAN, Mr Mohammed Usman said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He listed the demand to include implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and financial autonomy for State Legislatures, as enshrined in Section 121(3) of the Constitution.

The the union had earlier issued 21 days ultimatum on Oct. 24, which lapse on Friday, Nov. 15.

Usman said that the union’s decision followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Bauchi State in Oct. 23.

He expressed disappointment that in spite of the ample time for compliance, reports reaching the national secretariat indicated that most State Governments were yet to begin the implementation.

The national president instructed all zonal leaders to prepare and mobilise members for full-scale action.

“Immediately mobilise all chapters within their respective zones for industrial action as soon as the ultimatum elapses.

“This action is to ensure full enforcement of the NEC resolution and to press home our demand for the implementation of CONLESS without further delay.

“While we continue to pursue our legitimate demands, all members are enjoined to remain resolute, law-abiding, and united in the struggle for justice and improved welfare in solidarity.”

“PASAN members can no longer continue under unfair and discriminatory treatment; the continued neglect of its demands amounts to institutional disregard for the legislative workforce,” he said.

Usman, however, urged the intervention of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) to intervene in the matter.

The national president said that the union remained committed to dialogue in the interest of industrial harmony and the effective functioning of legislatures.”

He said that the union had formally notified all relevant stakeholders of the expiration of the ultimatum and its readiness for strike as there was no concrete response or positive action from most State Governments.

Usman said that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Clerks of State Houses of Assembly, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had been informed.

He said that major security agencies like Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had been informed.

(NAN)