Trouble in Ogun Assembly as staff down tools, demand Consolidated Salary Structure implementation

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ogun state chapter, on Thursday locked the assembly gate, demanding the immediate implementation of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) from the state government.

Speaking to newsmen at the entrance of the assembly in Abeokuta, the PASAN chairman, Mr Ayotunde Ojediran, noted that it was important for the staff to register their displeasure with the state government.

Ojediran explained that the union had commenced a 3-day warning strike over the failure of the state government to consider their demands.

He noted that the implementation of the CONLESS to Staffers in the state assembly and House of Assembly Service Commission would place the staffers on the same pedestal with the State Judiciary who had been enjoying Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJESS) .

The state PASAN chairman also explained that the government was yet to comply with the provision of the State Assembly Service Commission Law, 2018- specifically Sections 10(2), 13 and 14, and the Statutory Offices (State Emoluments) Amendment Law, 2018.

He noted that the non compliance had resulted into the non-payment of due salary and allowances to the three most senior officers in the assembly since their respective dates of appointment.

“The union had earlier written a letter to the state government stating all the demands and we issued a 21-day ultimatum to meet the demands but nothing was done till the ultimatum lasted.

“We are presently in negotiation with the state government but as we speak we are yet to reach any meaningful agreement.

“If all these issues are not addressed, it will not be too good for the system . This is an institution but unfortunately people are not enjoying what is due to them.

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“We are optimistic that before the expiration of the three – day warning strike, the government will do the needful. I know we have a listening governor who is father to all.

“But if there is no positive response coming from the state government, we will call for an indefinite strike immediately,” he said.

ValidView Network reports that all efforts to get the reaction of the management of the assembly proved abortive.