November 01, (THEWILL) – The strike called by the Parliamentary Staff Association (PASAN), in Cross River State, has grounded activities at the State House of Assembly.
The assembly was deserted, as the workers joined their colleagues in other states to commence an indefinite strike over the lack of autonomy from the executive in the state.
Florence Ebeku, Chairperson, PASAN, Cross River Chapter, said they were using the push for autonomy to seek the state governor’s approval of their consolidated legislative salary structure.
According to Ebeku, the last administration in the state had implemented judicial autonomy, but to date, workers in the assembly are still waiting for implementation.
She added that all they were asking for was the independence of the legislature from the executive which was intentional best practice and necessary for a virile democratic nation.
The strike action by PASAN may threaten the passage of the state’s N250 billion budget, which is currently before the assembly for passage.
THEWILL recalls that at the twilight of his administration, former President, Muhammadu Buhari, signed into law, the state legislative and judiciary autonomy bill.
However, despite this affirmation by the former president, most state governments are yet to commence implementation, an action that necessitated the present industrial action.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
