The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), has threatened to shut down states of the Federation if the implementation of the financial autonomy of the state Houses of Assembly is not implemented.
Comrade Mohammmed Usman, the National President of the association made this known on Thursday in Lafia when he led other National officials of the association on a courtesy visit on the Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi.
Comrade Usman said that the implementation of the financial autonomy for the state Houses of Assembly would strengthening the institution, legislative duties of the state lawmakers and would ensure optimal productivity by staff of the state Houses of Assembly.
” We are here to discuss some issues with our members. First of the issues is the financial autonomy of the state Houses of assembly and the second issue is the establishment of the state Houses of Assembly Service Commission.
“As Parliamentarians our independent is paramount to us in order to enhance our productivity.
” Nasarawa State is our first point of visit due to its proximity to Abuja as we are going round across the 36 states of the federation.
” We will move to ensure that the state Houses of assembly financial autonomy is implemented, We have being patient for long over the delay in the implementation of the financial autonomy.
” If things are not done appropriately as provided by the law and our rights being denied,we will have no option than to shut down assemblies and the states as a whole,” he said.
Usman appreciated the speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, RT.Hon.Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi for living above board and continue maintaining good working relationship with the staff of the association in the state and called for its sustenance.
The national president of the association assured of his determination to ensure a robust relationship with government at all levels for accelerated development across the country.
Responding, RT.Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly appreciated the officials of the association for the visit.
Balarabe Abdullahi, who was represented by his deputy, Rt.Hon.Nehemiah Tsentse Dandaura also said that the financial autonomy of the state legislators would boost productivity among the legislators and staff.
” I have heard all what you have said. The financial autonomy itself came from the presidency and we have given it our support and by God’s grace it will be implemented,” the speaker said.
The speaker who is the National Vice Chairman,North Central Nigeria Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures said if the financial autonomy is implemented it is for the good of all Nigerians and assured PASAN of his support.
On the issue of Assembly Service Commission he said the state has established its commission already.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman PASAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, Comrade Danlami Nuhu appreciated the national officials for the visit and wish them success as they move round the 36 states of the federation for the struggle.
On his part the Clerk of the house Mr Ego Maikeffi represented by Barr.Joseph Obiri,the Director Legal Services of the house commended the national body for taking the bull by the horns in accordance with the law.
It would be recalled that on May 22, 2020 President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja signed an executive Order for the implementation of financial autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary at the state levels
The executive order no 10,of 2020 follows a Presidential Implementation Committee constituted to fashion out strategies and modalities for the implementation of financial autonomy for states’ Legislature and Judiciary in compliance with section 121(3) of the Constitution.
