Edo Assembly Crisis as Workers Lock Out Lawmakers

Author: Gist Correspondent

Tension erupted at the Edo State House of Assembly on Thursday after workers reportedly locked lawmakers out of the Assembly complex over an alleged plan to repeal the 2023 law granting financial autonomy to the legislature.

The protesting workers, under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), expressed fears that scrapping the law could lead to salary cuts and possible job losses.

Reports indicated that the Majority Leader, Sunday Ojezele, was expected to present a motion seeking the repeal of the legislation, triggering the workers' action.

PASAN leadership in the Assembly, headed by Farouk Haruna, declined to comment on the development.

Reacting to the incident, Speaker of the House, Yekini Idiaye, said lawmakers had been in an executive session and that he was unaware of any protest or plans to repeal the financial autonomy law.

He added that the House was preparing to commence plenary at about 2:15 p.m.

The situation remains fluid as more details are expected.