In response to the nationwide strike called by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), the Gombe State chapter of the association has shut down the state House of Assembly. Large numbers of PASAN members were witnessed carrying placards with slogans advocating for legislative autonomy, emphasizing that it’s a right, not a privilege. The demonstrators, who chanted solidarity songs, assembled at the main gate of the state assembly.
Addressing the media, Mohammed Dukku, the state chairman of PASAN, stated that the closure was the only viable option due to the Federal Government’s failure to adhere to section 121 (3a) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates legislative autonomy. Dukku affirmed that the assembly would remain closed indefinitely, with all staff members staying at home until further notice.
Aminu Aliyu, the state secretary of PASAN, reiterated that the closure followed directives from the national body in response to the Federal Government’s failure to implement financial autonomy for the houses of assembly, a measure initially granted nationwide by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite numerous meetings, the autonomy has yet to be enforced.
Solomon Livinus, a union member and assembly staff, expressed support for the strike, highlighting that despite ongoing negotiations, they would continue to stay at home until their demands for legislative autonomy were met.