The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Abia State House of Assembly Chapter joined her counterparts all over Nigeria, as directed by it’s national body to embark on Industrial Action to press home their demand for administrative and financial autonomy of State Legislatures that are yet to implement same, News Admiral has gathered.
Newsadmiral.com.ng, monitoring compliance of the directive observed that the gates of the Abia State House of Assembly were under lock and keys with members of PASAN Task Force on ground to ensure compliance.
Interfacing with news men, the Chairman, Abia State House of Assembly Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Sunday Kalu hinted that their demands were not out of place following the fact that the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari had signed an Executive Order for the Financial Autonomy of State Legislatures, which he said would in no small measure strengthen Democracy through the principle of Separation of Powers, wondering why that Presidential Order should be flouted with reckless abandon.
Comrade Kalu however stated that negotiations are on going with relevant authorities to ensure the needful is done, expressing optimism that the Abia State Government shall listen to the voice of reasoning.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, fielding questions from a cross section from journalists in a Media Parley said the constitution of the Board in nearing conclusion, hinting that the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission will be inaugurated soonest, given the need to do so, among other Commissions yet to be inaugurated.
Chairman Emeritus of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Abia State House of Assembly Chapter, in his contribution said the struggle was justifiable and shall be to the credit of Governor Alex Otti once he does the needful, adding that the statement credited to the Governor on the near conclusion of the compilation of names for the Commission would be cheering once put in action.
Comrade Chijioke Okezie, Secretary, PASAN, Ugochukwu Ucheka, Comrade Okonta among others were all on ground to enforce the Industrial Action.