NLC Urges Edo Assembly to Preserve Autonomy Law

The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a warning to the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, against any attempts to repeal or amend the Edo State House of Assembly and Judiciary Autonomy Law.

In a statement released in Benin City on Thursday, the NLC described the proposed changes as "unpopular, inconceivable," and contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The statement, signed by NLC Chairman Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, emphasized that such amendments would represent a significant setback in the ongoing struggle for financial and administrative autonomy for the legislature and judiciary.

The NLC Caretaker Committee expressed readiness to mobilize stakeholders to resist any alterations that could undermine the independence of these institutions. They also voiced solidarity with the Edo State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), which has protested against the proposed amendments, asserting that any bill compromising the autonomy framework must be opposed.