Gates leading into the Oyo State House of Assembly were shut as legislative staff under the umbrella of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Oyo State chapter commenced an indefinite strike, on Monday.
Holding up placards with inscriptions to drive home their demands, the legislative staff blocked the entrance with some sitting while others gyrated to the sounds of music that blared to enliven the spirit of the protest.
The industrial action of the legislative staff in Oyo State follows through from the expiration of the ultimatum of the national body of PASAN as well as the peculiar agitations of the state chapter of the union.
Led by Chairman, Oyo PASAN, Mr Yemi Alade, the legislative staff are seeking implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures, calling on governor Seyi Makinde to comply with section 121 (3a, 3b and 4a) of the 1999 constitution (as altered).
They are also calling for implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structures (CONLESS) for staff of the Assembly and commission.
Another agitation is full implementation of the salary structures with other legislative allowances at 100 percent.
Furthermore, the Oyo PASAN is demanding amendment to the find management law which they note is in conflict with the welfare of staff.
This is as they are calling for immediate and unconditional assent to the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission bill as passed by the state Assembly in 2023.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, chairman, Oyo PASAN, Yemi Alade said the strike was indefinite and the blocking of gates will continue until their demands are met.
Asked about the fact that the chairman, Conference, Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin met with the national leadership of PASAN at the weekend, Alade said legislative staff were yet to see the results of promised meeting with the governor’s forum on the PASAN agitations.
