Protesting Workers Shut Down Gombe House Of Assembly

The Gombe State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has closed down the state House of Assembly, Naija News learnt.

Reports emerging on Tuesday morning revealed that workers expressed their grief and took action in line with the nationwide strike organized by the association.

Hundreds of PASAN members are said to have participated in the protest, holding placards with various slogans advocating for autonomy. They emphasized that legislative autonomy is not a privilege but a right of the Assembly. Additionally, they expressed their solidarity through chants and songs.

Speaking to the press at the main entrance of the state assembly, the state chairman of the association, Mohammed Dukku, stated that this measure was the only available option due to the Federal Government’s failure to comply with section 121 (3a) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates legislative autonomy.

Dukku stated that the assembly would remain closed indefinitely, with all assembly staff required to stay at home. Additionally, Aminu Aliyu, the state secretary of PASAN, further explained that the closure of the state assembly aligns with the directives issued by the national body in response to the Federal Government’s failure to implement the financial autonomy bestowed upon the houses of assembly.

“This autonomy was granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari nationwide. Despite several meetings, it has not been implemented,” he added.

Also, a member of the union and a staff member of the Assembly, Solomon Livinus, said they support the strike, “even though negotiations are ongoing, but they would remain at home,” Livinus added.