Gates leading into the Oyo State House of Assembly were firmly shut on Monday as legislative staff, represented by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Oyo State chapter, initiated an indefinite strike.
Displaying placards with various demands, the legislative staff blocked the entrance, some seated, while others animatedly protested to music blaring in the background.
The strike follows the expiration of the national PASAN ultimatum and specific grievances of the state chapter.
Led by Chairman Yemi Alade, Oyo PASAN is pressing for the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to comply with constitutional provisions outlined in section 121 (3a, 3b, and 4a) of the 1999 constitution (as altered).
Additionally, they advocate for the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structures (CONLESS) for Assembly and commission staff.
The demand extends to a full 100 percent implementation of salary structures and other legislative allowances.
The legislative staff also calls for the amendment of a law conflicting with staff welfare and the immediate, unconditional assent to the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission bill, as passed in 2023.
Chairman Yemi Alade emphasized the indefinite nature of the strike, stating that gate closures will persist until their demands are met.
Responding to inquiries about discussions between the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and the national PASAN leadership over the weekend, Alade expressed that legislative staff are yet to witness results from the promised meeting with the governor’s forum regarding PASAN’s concerns.
