An indefinite strike has been initiated by employees of the Anambra State House of Assembly concerning various entitlements and unsatisfactory service conditions.
Under the umbrella of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), the staff held a peaceful protest at the assembly complex, holding placards and banners to convey their grievances on Tuesday.
They proceeded to the state secretariat, vocalizing solidarity songs and asserting their rights to entitlements.
The workers criticized legislators for enlisting corps members to fulfill their roles instead of compensating the staff adequately.
During the protest led by Comrade Promise Chijioke Onwukwe, Deputy National President of PASAN, he stated: “Although a strike was previously undertaken, the Conference of Speakers of the 36 state assemblies and the Governor’s Forum intervened, promising resolution of all our claims. However, in Anambra State, no progress has been made.”
Employees expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of increased salaries, known as CONYRESS, lack of staff training, provision of laptops, an Information and Communications Technology unit within the complex, utility vehicles, and demanded additional hiring of personnel.
“It is a common occurrence to walk under the scorching sun to collect or deliver mail, while those in authority travel comfortably in air-conditioned vehicles,” one worker remarked.
“Although Governor Charles Soludo might have allocated these resources, their absence is disheartening.
“Upon inspection of the premises, the overgrown grass and the frequent encounters with reptiles, snakes, and scorpions highlight the dire situation faced by staff on a weekly basis,” another employee added.
In response to the accusations, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, refuted the claims as baseless.
He remarked, “Only the Anambra State PASAN is currently on strike. Their concern does not revolve around non-payment of statutory dues but rather their welfare, pertaining to allowances.”
“Many of these staff fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Head of Service and are assigned to work with assembly members as necessary.
“Their primary duty is to fulfill the requirements of their assigned roles. If they are unwilling to work in the House of Assembly, they are at liberty to return to the Head of Service without disrupting the Assembly’s operations,” he concluded.