Chairman, Edo State Parliamentary Association of Nigeria, Comrade Shugaba Aliyu says his members are in the state Assembly not under threat and there was no need for the State NLC Chairman to threaten to ask the Assembly workers stay at home if the crisis in the Assembly persists.
In a statement, Comrade Aliyu said since the lawmakers have moved their plenary to the old Assembly Chambers, normalcy has been restored and the Seargent-At-Arms, Assembly Clerks and others needed for the normal sitting of the Assembly have been working without fear of attacks.
According to him, “while we appreciate the concern of the leadership of the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress on the welfare of our members, we wish to state that our members no longer face any threat as they go about their normal duties at the old legislative chamber.
“As such, our members don’t see any need in embarking on any industrial action on account of threat to our personal safety. If anything, our only prayer today is that the ongoing renovation works at the Anthony Enahoro House be expedited so that some of our members who have relocated to the old legislative chamber can quickly return to their desks in the office by the Ring Road.
“For the avoidance of doubt, members of the Parliamentary Association of Nigeria remain civil servants guided by extant civil service rules which forbid us from partisan politics. As employees of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission, we are loyal to the constituted authority at the legislative branch of government. There is no doubt about the legitimacy of Right Honorable Uyi Igbe as the de facto and de jure Speaker of Edo House of Assembly or question about those who are bonafide members of the House.
“While it is true that there was disorder at the Assembly Complex two weeks ago making it impossible for our members to discharge their duties, we wish to state that normalcy has since been restored as the assembly moves its plenary to the old legislative chamber following the commencement of renovation work at the Anthony Enahoro Complex. At the new location, our members have continued to dutifully collaborate with the Sergeant-At-Arms to offer ancillary services to the assembly-in-session.
“Consequent upon the above, all workers of the Edo State House of Assembly are to report to their duty post on Monday, July 14, 2014, at the EDHA Service Commission at Oguola Crescent, Ihama, GRA, Benin City.”