The Katsina State Assembly has made a deliberate choice to abstain from supporting the strike organized by the Parliament Staffs Association of Nigeria. This action contrasts with the support the strike has received from 34 state assemblies across the nation. The strike, with backing from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), PCC Nigeria, and various civil society organizations, primarily seeks to urge the Federal Government to grant financial autonomy to state assemblies. This report delves into the implications of this decision and the broader context of the ongoing movement.

The overarching goal of the strike is to empower state assemblies, enabling them to better serve their constituencies. Comrade Lawal D. Faras, the Northwest Coordinator of the Association, has highlighted the critical significance of financial independence. This autonomy, under the leadership of state assembly speakers, is seen as instrumental in facilitating state assemblies' continued participation in national development initiatives. The strike is viewed as a strategic move to foster progress and development in communities across Nigeria.

Simultaneously, the National Chairman of the Parliament Staffs Association, in collaboration with his council in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, is actively engaged in negotiations with representatives of the Federal Government. The primary objective of these discussions is to establish a productive dialogue and address the concerns raised by the ongoing strike. The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal in determining the future course of action.

During an interview, Comrade Isah Isma'ila Kankia, Chairman of the Association in Katsina State, expressed his frustration with the Federal Government's perceived lack of action in response to previous strikes. He emphasized that the strike will persist until the motion for financial autonomy gains approval. The Chairman acknowledges that the response of the Federal Government to the demands of the Parliament Staffs Association and state assemblies nationwide will significantly influence the direction of this movement.