Delta State House Of Assembly Shut Down By Protesting Workers

Due to the disinclination of the state government to meet the demands of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Delta State chapter, activities at the Delta State House of Assembly Complex has been shut down by the protesting workers.

As at the time of filing in this report, Honourable Members, Contractors and Visitors have been denied access into the complex since yesterday. The protesting staff who locked the two entrance gates to the Assembly complex, said they were proceeding on indefinite strike pending when their demands were met.

The House which adjourned to today (Tuesday, 15th) from last week’s sitting, has been placed on hold due to the action of the striking workers. The proposed 2017 budget which ought to go through the Second Reading today and other important Bills have all equally been affected.

Governor Okowa Addressing Press Men at DTHA

Addressing newsmen, Chairman of PASAN, Emmanuel Edozie, said the workers would not go back to work until their demands were met. Edozie alleged that apart from the non-payment of impress and running cost,  his members were receiving very poor medical attention at the Assembly clinic.

He said: “Since February 2016, there is no single drugstore at the Assembly clinic and this is affecting the staff. In the past two months, we have lost about four of our members. What is happening is not good for the system. We said at least, let some drugs be provided, they refused. Again, one doctor cannot service the Assembly staff, the members, their relatives and the Assembly Service Commission. So, we need another doctor.

“Appointment of a Deputy Clerk is another problem. Since the Deputy Clerk retired last year, the vacuum has not been filled. And there is a law passed by the same House for that position. We need a Deputy Clerk, who is a staff and not a politician.”