In a bold move aimed at drawing attention to their longstanding grievances, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) closed off the State House of Assembly complex on Monday. Determined to have their voices heard, the staff stood in solidarity with the national body of the association, effectively preventing lawmakers and other employees from accessing the building.
Miss Uduak Ebong Okon, the Chairman of the state branch of PASAN, emphasized the critical nature of their protest, explaining that it was a necessary step to compel the state government to address key demands made by the association. These demands include financial autonomy, legislative duty allowance, legislative salary structure, outfit allowance, PASAN legislative week, and staff training.
Speaking passionately about the protest, Okon stated, “Our intentions are clear: to impress upon the state government the need to address the demands of our association. We seek financial autonomy, legislative duty allowance, legislative salary structure, outfit allowance, PASAN legislative week, and staff training.”
Jerry Otu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, lamented the unfortunate consequences of the strike, expressing his concerns over the crippling effect it has had on the Assembly’s activities.
