Akwa Ibom PASAN threatens to shut down the Assembly if Bill is not passed.
Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Akwa Ibom State Chapter has expressed displeasure over unknown delay in the passage/implementation of Financial Autonomy for the State Legislature and Judiciary.
The Chaiman of PASAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Uduak Ebong Okon disclosed the Association’s displeasure during the October 2021 State Executive Council meeting of the Association at the Union House Assembly Complex, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo on Thursday 7th October, 2021.
Akwa Ibom PASAN in their communique further expressed disappointment over the delay by the State Legislature in passing the State Autonomy Bill which has gone through the needed legislative processes awaiting passage by the House.
The chairman reminded the State Legislature that most Houses of Assembly in the country have passed similar Bills as part of the agreement that forestall the Union’s nationwide industrial action early this year.
Comrade Okon said they have been patiently waiting for the implementation of autonomy but up till this moment nothing has been done to fasten the process whereas about 28 State Governors has assented to the same Bill already.
She recalled that PASAN nationwide single handedly pressed for autonomy and independence of States Legislature even when the leaderships and members of All State Houses of Assembly in the country were sceptical about the Bill ever seeing the light of day.
She said it is very unfortunate that they have to go this far but thinks “this is the best way to solve the issue” and enable the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly join her counter part to write their name in gold.
The Chairman called on relevant stakeholders to embrace the merits of Financial Autonomy in attaining growth and development of both the State and the Legislature.
Recently, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly held a public hearing on a Law to Make Provision for the Management of Funds of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and for other Related Matters. It becomes worrisome why the Committee is yet to present its report on the floor of the House for possible passage before going on recess.
It could be recalled that PASAN had earlier threatened to shut down the Assembly before the Bill was forwarded to the House on the 10th of August, 2021
The Union uses this medium to thank the workers friendly Governor, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel for sending the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Funds Management Bill to the House for further legislative actions, while expecting the Judiciary Fund management Bill, the Union wishes His Excellency’s urgent assent once the Bill is passed into Law.
The Union in its communique forwarded to the National Secretariat, notify’s the apex body of their preparedness to shut down the Assembly with regards to the delay in passing the Financial Autonomy Bill. Also Union demands for inclusion of the following items in the 2022 Budget.
1. Outfit Allowance with arrears (2015 – 2021)
2. 35% Legislative Duty Allowance
3. Consolidated Legislative Salary Allowance/Perculier Allowance (CONLESS)
4. Parliamentary Staff Week
5. Staff Training and Re-training
All demands are hitherto backed up with relevant government circulars.
The Communique further stated that the State Executive Council (NEC) of PASAN has made all efforts to have audience with the Speaker and Leadership of the Assembly, Chairman and Commissioners of the Assembly Service Commission to discuss the way forward on this regard but to no avail.
However, the Union opined that they will not hesitate to shut down the Assembly if their demands are not attended to before presentation of 2022 Budget Estimate or legislator’s resumption from their 6 (six) weeks recess.
It could be recalled that the current seventh Assembly of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has embarked on a six week working recess and within these period, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is expected to present year 2022 budgetary Estimates to the House.
This put the Executive and Legislative Arms of Akwa Ibom in a tight corner as PASAN is resolute in shutting down legislative business of the House without implementation of Legislative autonomy as implemented by other Houses of Assembly.
