Health

PASAN Workers Seek Relief on Health Insurance

By Web News 200

 By Mosope Kehinde 

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Oyo State Chapter, has called for a downward review of the recent adjustment in health insurance deductions by the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, OYSHIA, appealing for a more worker-sensitive approach in the implementation of the scheme.

In a joint statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade ’Yemi Alade; Vice Chairman, Comrade Demola Emiola, and Secretary, Comrade Bisade Phillips, PASAN expressed concerns over the increase in deductions to 7.5% of workers’ basic salary, noting that the current economic climate has placed enormous strain on civil servants.

According to the union, the rising cost of living, coupled with inflation, high transportation fares, and soaring food prices, has significantly affected workers’ disposable income. 

Introducing an additional deduction, it noted, would further burden employees and potentially impact their welfare and productivity.

While expressing their position firmly, PASAN was quick to commend Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its consistent worker-friendly policies, especially the prompt payment of salaries and open-door engagement with labour unions. 

The Association praised the Governor’s commitment to staff welfare and urged his intervention in ensuring that health insurance remains accessible and affordable for all.

PASAN reaffirmed its readiness to continue engaging government agencies through peaceful and constructive dialogue, in the shared interest of Oyo state’s development and the wellbeing of its workforce.

Edited by Adetutu Adetule

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Lifestyle

Be More Dedicated, Ogundoyin Charges Parliamentary Staff

By Web News 351

By Mosope Kehinde

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin has admonished staff and members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, in the state Assembly to be more dedicated to their duties in order to move forward the wheel of progress of the Assembly.

The Speaker gave the admonition at PASAN’s end of the year 2024 get together party and award presentation, held at the Western hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Mr. Ogundoyin who was presented with an Outstanding Performance Award urged PASAN members to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence to service.

He assured them of his continued support in enhancing their welfare and professional development.

“I assure you that all  the lawmakers appreciate your efforts and contributions in the service of the Assembly, without you we couldn’t have done much. We members stand with you to embark on greater development of the assembly as a whole. 

“We will rededicate ourselves to the progress of the whole workers and well-being of staff of the Assembly.

The Speaker expressed deep gratitude to the legislative staff and acknowledged their dedication and hard work in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly.

He emphasized that the award was a testament to their collective efforts in upholding the integrity and efficiency of legislative processes.

In her goodwill message, a former Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola implored PASAN members to be focused, and continue in their unwavering dedication to contribute positively to the progress of the Assembly and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

“The governor has been magnanimous enough in his leadership services in the state, especially in regards to the N80 thousand minimum wage which has gone round.

Earlier in a welcome speech, Clerk of the House, Mrs Taiwo Muraina-Akinola described the 2024 Get together of the State Assembly PASAN as a shared bond of interest and experience.

While calling for an unwavering commitment from members and staff of the Assembly, she expressed sincere gratitude to the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his magnanimity in making the welfare of the legislative staff a first line charge.

She also thanked the Speaker for his support and huge contributions to the progress of members and staff of the House, describing him as leader of note and impeccable qualities.

Other award recipients include former Head of Service, Alhaja Hamidat Ololade Agboola for Award of Excellence,  and the current Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni also for Award of Excellence.

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Governance

Prevail on Governors, PASAN Tells President Tinubu

By Web News 298

By Mosope Kehinde

Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Southwest Zone has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on governors to respect the agreement reached with state assembly workers on the full implementation of financial autonomy.

The association, which made the call while speaking with newsmen during its zonal meeting, held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital said the call on the president was imperative to avert another strike which could cripple Legislative activities across the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the PASAN Zonal President, Mr Adele Adewale said the ultimatum given for the implementation of legislative financial autonomy has expired according to the signed agreement with no positive response from State Governors, except for Benue state. 

“The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria South West Zone sincerely commend the Executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Hycathin Alia who recently assented to the legislative fund management law. 

“This laudable gesture of Benue State Governor bears testament to the fact that he’s indeed a democrat who is so passionate about upholding and strengthening the principle of separation of power among the three arms of government in the state. There is no doubt he has written his name on the sand of time and history will forever be kind to him.

Mr. Adewale said the suspension of the industrial action then was given the confidence the Association reposed in the negotiators and in consideration of the essential roles of the legislative arm in the budget process as states prepared for the year 2024  budget estimates. 

The zonal president said the Association considered the non-compliance of the Nigeria Governors Forum with the MOU as a breach of trust and a grave violation of section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“Ladies and gentlemen, the ultimatum given for the implementation of legislative financial autonomy has expired according to the signed agreement with no positive response from the State Governors except for Benue. 

“We are optimistic that the implementation of full legislative financial autonomy will strengthen the State Houses of Assembly Service Commission, enhance the career progression of the legislative staff and also resolve issues like non-remittance of legislative staff monthly deductions e.g cooperative and pension deductions, non-payment of legislative staff wardrobe allowance, non-implementation of Conless as well as other germane issues bothering on the welfare of the Parliamentary Staffers across the federation.

“While we are awaiting further directive from the national secretariat of our union on the next line of action, it is pertinent to state that members of the ZEC of PASAN SOUTH WEST will stand firm to vehemently resist any attempt to subvert the quest for the implementation of legislative financial autonomy.

Earlier, during a courtesy visit, the Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of state legislature who doubles as speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin promised to facilitate a meeting involving the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Conference of Speakers and leadership of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN to discuss the implementation of legislative autonomy.

Our correspondent reports that PASAN chairmen across Southwest states were present at the meeting.

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News

Ogun PASAN Suspends Strike for Twenty-One Days

By Web News 387

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Legislative staff workers in Ogun State under the umbrella of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, have resumed duty after the suspension of their 21-day industrial action.

According to a statement by the chairman, PASAN, Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Ayotunde Ojediran, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Union and the Principal Officers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, led by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo.

Comrade Ojediran stated that the strike was suspended for 21 days to allow the lawmakers to request the State Government to pay the accrued statutory salaries and allowances of the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Executive Secretary of the commission since their respective dates of appointment without further delay.

It was also agreed that the lawmakers should effect the continuous payment of salaries and allowances through the Consortium of the Administration of Salaries and Pension in the State and extend the payment of the 40% Peculiar Allowance with effect from August 2023 to cushion the effect of inflation on members of the union.

He said the lawmakers promised to also present for assent the Legislative Funds Management Law 2023 and Judiciary Funds Management Law, 2023 passed by the House of Assembly and establish the disbursement and provide necessary tools for the committee to commence action with November 2023 allocation.

The PASAN chairman also noted that the leadership of the House is expected to ensure that the executive arm of government implements these demands within three weeks effective from 22nd November 2023 failure of which the Association will resume the strike action after the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum.

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News

Ogun PASAN Suspends Strike

By Web News 583

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The strike embarked upon by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Ogun State chapter has been suspended for sixty days

A statement by PASAN Secretary, Mr David Adedigba explained that the suspension of the industrial action was to give room for the governor to meet their demands.

Mr Adedigba said the strike would resume if the government failed to accede to their demands within the set time frame.

He enjoined members of staff to resume their regular duties and responsibilities without delay.

The PASAN secretary pointed out that an emergency congress would be held Thursday

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Labour

PASAN Extends Warning Strike

By Web News 416

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Ogun State chapter has extended its three days warning strike following the failure of the state government to accede to their demands.

PASAN had last week declared a three-day to register workers displeasure with the state government over the non implementation of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who visited State House of Assembly observed that, some of the staff were in groups, discussing the ongoing situation at the assembly.

One of the staff who spoke on condition of anonymity explained that, the strike was extended over the inability of State government responding to their agitations.

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Judiciary

Osun State Legislative Fund Bill Passes First Reading

By Web News 656

The Osun State Legislative Fund Management Bill 2021 has passed through the first reading on the floor of the Osun State House of Assembly.

This is sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr. Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip Mr. Olugbenga Ogunkanmi.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye in his remark, noted that the Bill when passed into law would make funds available for the Assembly and various standing committees to carry out their legislative duties.

The Speaker, committed the Bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and Legal Matters to study the Bill critically and do the needful.

He commended members of the Judiciary Staff Union, JUSUN and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN for their steadfastness during the strike embarked upon by it’s members across the country for financial autonomy of the Judiciary and  Legislature.
In another development, the Osun State House of Assembly has assured people of the state that the process of putting Administrators at the Local Government, Local Council Development Areas, LCDA and Area Councils administration would begin soon.

The Speaker, Mr. Owoeye maintained that for the people to properly feel the impact of government, a local government administration must be in place.

Funmi Adekoya

News

PASAN Resumes Work In Ogun

By Web News 1071

Activities have resumed at the Ogun state house of Assembly following the suspension of industrial action embarked upon by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria. 
The members had joined their counterparts across the state of the federation to embark on strike over the non- implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures as enshrined in the Constitution. 

In a communique signed by the National president  of the union,Mr Mohammed  Usman said the action was suspended to facilitate the passage of necessary legislations as contained in the  memorandum of action,noting that the action was only suspended for just 45 days.

Speaking on the development,State chairman  of PASAN, Mr. James Obanla  said the suspension was to give  room for further negotiations towards the smooth take off of the autonomy. 

The National Executive Council of the Union declared an industrial action on Tuesday, 22nd March directing all its State chapters to boycott official activities until the implementation of the Executive Order 10 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari last year.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

News

PASAN In Osun Resume After Two-Month Strike

By Web News 543

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Osun State chapter have resumed after the suspension of the over two months strike.
Speaking on the resumption, the Osun State Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Adekunle Adesina said the staff suspended the strike to allow the Lawmakers to complete legislation on the Fund Management Bill , passed and assented to, by the Governor.
Comrade Adesina explained that the management of the Assembly, in the memorandum, was also directed to establish a budget Office that will see to the meeting of the yearly budget of the House.
Comrade Adesina added that the Association gave 45 days ultimatum for passage and assent of Governor on the Fund Management Bill. 

PASAN members embarked on Nationwide strike on March 23, demanding for Financial Autonomy for the parliament and the staff.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Courts Resume In Ibadan, As JUSUN/PASAN Call Off Strike

By Web News 1117

Following the suspension of the industrial action by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, judicial activities have resumed in some courts visited in Ibadan.

At the State High Court, Ring Road, courts were opened for cases while other rooms for judicial and administrative events were opened.

At Court Four, sittings were held while three sittings were held in Court Five of the State High Court, Ring Road in Ibadan.

One of the court officials, Mrs Kehinde Olalere said the court sat as expected, adding that complainants were already approaching the courts for new dates on pending cases.

Our correspondent who visited some federal courts along new Adeoyo road, in Ibadan, reports that the situation was not different as some sittings were held on some cases at National Industrial Court as confirmed by the court’s JUSUN representative, Mr Festus Ajiboro.

Mr Ajiboro expressed optimism that the union’s demands would be met as government had already set up a committee to look into them.

JUSUN members began their strike on April 6, demanding for financial autonomy, salary increment among other issues.

Rotimi Famakin

Judiciary

PASAN Refuses To End Strike Over Unresolved Issues

By Web News 682

The twelve weeks old strike embarked upon by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, is yet to see an end.

This is because the leaders of the association said they would not relent until the implementation of Financial Autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly.

The Chairman Of Osun Assembly Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Adekunle Adesina in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Osogbo, said the strike would continue until the Critical Stakeholders endorsed the harmonised  proposal of PASAN and JUSUN.

Mr. Adesina enjoined the Federal Government, National Assembly and Governor’s Forum to speedily do the needful for the implementation of Financial Autonomy of the Parliament.

It would be recalled that, the Association had embarked on indefinite strike to demand for the implementation of the Executive Order 10 on Financial Autonomy for the legislative arm of government.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

You Are Fighting A Good Course : Oyo Speaker Tells PASAN

By Web News 616

As the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN begins an indefinite strike across the Country, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin says the call by the Association for the implementation of  financial autonomy for  the Legislative arm of Government is a laudable course and the constitutional right of the workers.
The Speaker stated this while addressing Oyo Assembly workers who gathered at the main Gate of the Parliament Building Secretariat, Ibadan for the commencement of an indefinite strike in compliance with the directive of the National body of the Association. 
The workers who shut down all the Gates leading to Oyo Assembly complex displayed different placards showing their displeasure on the  non-implementation of financial autonomy for the Legislative arm of Government across the Country. 
Mr Ogundoyin said the strike will no doubt paralyse the activities of the Oyo State House of Assembly, adding that it was however in the interest of democracy and the independence of the Legislative arms of Government.
He assured them that the Governors Forum will soon come up with a uniform way or modality of implementing the financial autonomy.
” No state will go about it in different way. Everything will done in a uniform manner. Let me also say that, the Speakers’ Forum too will not relent until the financial autonomy is achieved. ” The Speaker said.
Kehinde

Politics

Financial Autonomy: Lagos Assembly Staff Begins Strike

By Web News 590

The Lagos State House of Assembly chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has declared an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of legislative financial autonomy.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the chapter, Comrade Adele Adewale Taofiq and made available to journalists.

The statement is entitled; “Commencement of Nationwide Strike Tomorrow 23rd March, 2021 On The Implementation Of Financial Autonomy For The State Legislature.”

“You could recall that the bedrock of Parliamentary Autonomy hinges on financial Independence. Autonomy in this context is simply defined as non-dependence and non-subordination of Parliaments in relation to the Executive.

“This non-dependence and non-subordination as stated above is in terms of unfettered control over financial and other related resources.

“Therefore, according to the best practice the “Parliaments should have equitable access to resources”. As such, Parliaments by Constitutional arrangements are supposed to have enough financial muscle to carry out their legislative mandate, including exercising power over the budget.

“This is consistent with the Latimer principles that state that “parliament should have control of and authority to determine and secure their budgetary requirements unconstrained by the Executive, save for budgetary constraints dictated by national circumstances,” the statement read.

Comrade Adele added that Parliaments should assert their role as a Separate Arm of Government, saying that this included the fact that they should be independent from the Executive in the way they organise themselves, control over their own timetable and the ability to recall themselves outside normal session if by circumstances so as required.

The Chairman explained that the principle of autonomy in practice involved a number of different aspects, including:

Parliamentary responsibility for its own staffing; and control over its own budget.

This he said also included organisation of its own business with all these essential features so that they will be able to operate efficiently and exercise effective oversight over a range of policy issues affecting people.

“On this note, it’s very obvious that the struggle we set out and agreed to fight in order to liberate the Legislative Arm of Government, and Nigeria Democracy is finally upon us. 

“Notifications have been given in line with the Provisions of the Trade Disputes Act of the Federation, yet no response from the Government,” he said.

He explained that in May 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari signed an executive order granting financial autonomy to the legislature across the 36 states of the country.

He added that it was yet to be implemented by the governors.

The Chairman however urged members of PASAN to be peaceful from the beginning to the end of the strike and wear their Legislative Uniform (PASAN Cap) to office on Tuesday in order not to give room for hoodlums to hijack the strike.

“A Strike Action Committee would be set up to monitor compliance as been directed by the National Headquarters of PASAN.

“May the Almighty grant us the Strength as we go through this struggle that brings true Democracy to our dear Country,” he said. Barnabas Hunjo.

Barnabas Hunjo

Politics

PASAN Protest: Ondo Parliament Staff Down Tools

By Web News 917

Members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Ondo State Chapter have shut down the complex of the State House of Assembly in Akure.

The Association’s members defiling the morning rainfall, carry placards with different inscriptions and singing solidarity songs locked the main gate of the Assembly complex.

Speaking with newsmen, Ondo State Chapter Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Raphael Urona said the peaceful protest was in line with the directives from the National headquarters of the Association to press home their demand for the implementation of the agitations of financial autonomy for the legislative arm of government.

Comrade Urona noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had since 2018 accented to the bill while state governments refused to implement it.

He said the protest will continue until further notice from the National body of the Association.

Correspondent Olumide Abudu report that men of Nigerian Police, NSCDC, FRSC were on ground to ensure the protest were peaceful and not hijacked by hoodlums

Olumide Abudu