The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Oyo Chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike.
The strike which began on Monday with total blockage and lock down of the state House of Assembly Building, while the striking staff pitched a tent at the frontage with placards displayed in and around the state secretariat.
Speaking, the Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Association, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Yemi Taofeek Alade said its association began an indefinite strike as 45 days ultimatum to implement financial autonomy of Legislature lapsed last weekend with yet an implementation, adding that failure of the executive to formalize autonomy of other tiers would continue to crumble good democratic process in the country.
“We are embarking on strike as a result of non-implementation of financial autonomy and this autonomy issue is a fundamental provision in the nation’s constitution section 121: 3 of the federal Republic of Nigeria as amended”
” So we are only asking for how we can liberate the legislative arm of government. This strike is for the benefit of the masses”
” Well as you can see, it is indefinite and it is nationwide. If they yield to our demands, we would call off the strike”, Alade said.
In his reaction, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Kayode Martins called on the executive to expedite action in ensuring each tier of government us enabled to function for better welfare of workers and citizens.
Meanwhile, Comrade Martins implored the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde to fully implement better working condition for its staff, as a consolidation of second term administration in the state.
” It will not be ideal the same executive appoints judges, pays its pays. By virtue of financial influence, the tiers may not independently function”
” Our agitation is separation of powers in the country. Judiciary should be independent. Legislature should be alone. By this, there will be positive impact.”, Martins said.
Recall, Naija TODAY News reported yesterday while the Chairman, Conference of Speakers’ Legislature and speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin met with the national leadership of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria in his office in effort to avert the begun strike.
