Edo State House of Assembly: PASAN Members Demand Autonomy

In a resolute display of solidarity and determination, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in Edo State have taken a stand for legislative autonomy, effectively shutting the gates to the Edo State House of Assembly. The action comes after the expiration of an ultimatum for the implementation of financial autonomy in legislative houses across Nigeria.

The impassioned protest unfolded at the Assembly, preventing lawmakers from accessing the chamber, and serves as a reminder of the vital importance of autonomy in upholding democratic principles.

At the forefront of this protest is the call for legislative autonomy, a constitutional matter that has gained significant traction in recent years. The National Assembly had passed legislation on this issue, which was subsequently assented to by the former president, Muhammadu Buhari. However, the implementation of this autonomy has been a protracted process, prompting PASAN members to take a stand.

Umaru Farouk Haruna, the Chairman of PASAN in Edo State, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He noted that the delay in implementing autonomy not only affects the staff but also hinders the effective functioning of legislative bodies in the country. When legislative houses lack autonomy, the system’s checks and balances are compromised, and the intended separation of powers becomes theoretical rather than operational.

Mr. Haruna further highlighted the role of legislative bodies in deepening the dividends of democracy for all Nigerians. Autonomy is the key to ensuring that these institutions can stand on their own feet, making them a powerful force to hold the government accountable and ask the necessary questions.

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The protest in Edo State is part of a nationwide industrial action organized by PASAN to demand autonomy for legislative houses across the country. PASAN members have mobilized to ensure maximum compliance with the call for autonomy, and the protest action has sent a clear message to both the government and the governors of the 36 states in Nigeria.

The protest, which began after the expiration of a two-day ultimatum, was further extended by one week before coming to an end on October 27, 2023. The delay in implementing autonomy in legislative houses is seen as a hindrance to true democracy and an obstacle to the fulfillment of Nigeria’s democratic potential.

The struggle for legislative autonomy is more than just a battle for the rights of parliamentary staff; it’s a battle for the fundamental principles of democracy. A functional democracy relies on the separation of powers, and autonomy for legislative houses is an essential component of this separation. It ensures that lawmakers can fulfill their roles as representatives of the people, holding the executive branch accountable and safeguarding the interests of the citizens.

As the members of PASAN continue their fight for autonomy, they echo the voices of many Nigerians who yearn for a democracy that operates at its full potential. The struggle is a reminder that democracy thrives when its fundamental principles are upheld, and the separation of powers remains a vital part of this democratic fabric.

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