Edo State Assembly Grinds to a Halt as PASA Demands Legislative Autonomy Implementation
Parliamentary Staff Association members in Edo State conducted a fervent protest, blocking the state assembly gates to push for the implementation of legislative autonomy. The demonstration, arising from a union ultimatum to the government, signifies a larger struggle to fortify democratic principles in Nigeria. The demand extends beyond staff rights, aiming to establish accountability and uphold the separation of powers within the country's governance system.
PASA Protest Halts Edo Assembly Over Delay in Legislative Autonomy Implementation.
Members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASA) in Edo State staged a forceful demonstration on Monday, blockading the entrances to the state house of assembly. The cause of the protest was the ongoing delay in implementing financial autonomy within Nigeria's legislative houses. This action disrupted the assembly's proceedings, stemming directly from the union's ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which had recently lapsed.
Umaru Farouk Haruna, the Edo State PASAN Chairman, addressing reporters during the demonstration, emphasized that the national president of PASAN, Comrade Mohammed Usman, had instructed all chairpersons and secretaries to rally their members in full support of the protest. Haruna clarified that the nationwide peaceful protest ensued following the expiration of the two-day ultimatum given to the federal and state governments for the implementation of financial autonomy.
Haruna stressed the significance of autonomy, citing its constitutional backing, having been passed by the National Assembly and previously assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He expressed frustration at the lack of progress, stating that no steps had been taken to initiate the implementation.
He articulated that the fight for autonomy extended beyond legislative staff, advocating for an enhancement of democratic dividends for all Nigerians. Haruna highlighted that the absence of autonomy has weakened the separation of powers, allowing governors to act without accountability. He lamented that the Houses of Assembly lacked autonomy, hence, couldn’t challenge these actions.
"The struggle we are in," Haruna voiced, "aims to rectify this systemic issue for the benefit of democracy and the Nigerian populace."
The protest aimed not just for the rights of legislative staff but for a more robust democratic system in Nigeria, where the separation of powers and accountability remain essential.
