PASAN Urges President Tinubu to Intervene for Full Implementation of Financial Autonomy in States’ Assemblies

“The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the full implementation of financial autonomy for state Houses of Assembly across the country.

The association’s appeal comes as the deadline for state governors to guarantee financial autonomy for state legislatures approaches, with the threat of another industrial action looming.

A jointly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Chairmen of the Conference of the Speakers and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in February 2024 had promised that legislative financial autonomy for state legislatures would be implemented nationwide by the 28th of February.

However, PASAN has noted that the Nigeria Governors Forum has not complied with the MoU, which it considers a breach of trust and a violation of section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

PASAN’s Zonal Vice President, South-West, Mr Adele Adewale, stated that the warning for quick action by governors was necessary due to the expiration of the ultimatum given to them to implement legislative financial autonomy in their respective states.

The association has highlighted that the MoU included a clause that PASAN could resume its strike at any time if the governors reneged on the agreement at the expiration of the ultimatum.

So far, only Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has fully implemented legislative financial autonomy by assenting to the legislative fund management law.

Lagos and Oyo States have also initiated moves in this direction. PASAN has emphasized that the full autonomy of state legislatures will strengthen the State Houses of Assembly Service Commission and enhance the career progression of legislative staff.

As the deadline approaches, it is essential for President Tinubu to intervene and ensure that state governors comply with the MoU and implement the financial autonomy of state legislatures.

This move will not only uphold the provisions of the constitution but also promote the independence and effectiveness of state legislatures in Nigeria.