PASAN SUSPENDS NATIONWIDE STRIKE

The ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), has been suspended.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is contained in a statement issued by the National President of the Association, Comrade Mohammed Usman.

In the statement, the PASAN President noted the collective efforts of the Association towards resolving the issues that led to the nationwide strike and the outcome of the 15th November, 2023 meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which was a clear demonstration of support and total commitment to meeting the demands of PASAN.

The labour leader stated that the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria had also resolved that a joint committee of the relevant stakeholders be set up to ensure compliance with the provisions of the constitution, as amended, on the implementation of Financial Autonomy for State Houses of Assembly.

He added that the Speakers’ Conference also agreed that the necessary Financial Autonomy instruments, including Disbursement Committee, House of Assembly Service Commission Funds Management Bill, among others, must be enacted by each State Assembly and assented to by the respective State Governors on or before 22nd of December, 2023.

Full implementation of Financial Autonomy for State Houses of Assembly must commence in all the states on or before 31st January, 2024, Comrade Usman quoted the Speakers to have resolved.

The PASAN President further revealed that the strike was suspended based on the resolution of the Speakers of State Assemblies that serious commitment to the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Scale (CONLESS),must be demonstrated by inserting its financial implication in the 2024 budget across the states.

Comrade Usman emphasized that should any of the conditions not be met by 1st February, 2024, PASAN would be compelled to resume the nationwide strike.

He directed the Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association to ensure compliance with the suspension.