In 2018, former President Mohammed Buhari assented to the bill thereby, granting State Houses of Assembly financial autonomy. Again, in 2020, he issued an executive order to that effect.
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has reiterated its decision to embark on an indefinite strike should the federal government fail to implement financial autonomy for state legislators.
The association says it is set to commence an industrial action on Wednesday, 18 October as planned.
The plan was disclosed in a letter issued to the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas by the PASAN president, Mohammed Usman, dated Tuesday, October 10.
OrderPaper recalls that PASAN had written to all Governors, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on October 6, issuing a 21-day ultimatum for the implementation of financial independence for State Houses of Assembly.
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Usman, in the recent letter, noted that the association is prepared to commence an indefinite strike should the ultimatum elapse and financial autonomy is yet to be implemented in state assemblies.
“This is to remind you of the series of letters the Union had written in the past which culminated in the Notice of 21 days ultimatum issued on Monday 18 September, 2023, to embark on a national strike if Financial Autonomy is not implemented at the State Legislative Houses as provided in the Constitution of the Federation.
“Note that the same letter has been written to the Governors, Speakers, and Clerks of the 36 States Houses of Assembly of the Federation accordingly.
“We, therefore, reiterate the Union’s preparedness to direct the members to embark on the proposed strike action if its demands are not yielded to.
“While the union awaits your magnanimity and quick intervention sir, accept the renewed assurances of our highest regards.
“Note that the same letter has been written to the Governors, Speakers, and Clerks of the 36 States Houses of Assembly of the Federation accordingly,” the letter read in part.
Former President, Mohammed Buhari, had assented to the bill which gave financial independence to State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary across the federation in May 2018. He, however, signed an executive order granting State Assemblies financial autonomy in 2020, following non-implementation by many states.
The new bill made it mandatory for each state to include allocations to its legislature and judiciary in its first-line charge of budget.
However, states are yet to comply fully.
