The clerk of the Abia House of Assembly, Johnpedro Irokansi, has urged staff members to pray to God for the implementation of the assembly’s financial autonomy.

Mr Irokansi spoke at the send-off party, organised at the assembly complex in Umuahia, in honour of the assembly’s retirees.

He commended Governor Alex Otti for the inauguration of the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission, saying that with that in place, there was hope for the people.

He urged the workers and retirees of the assembly to exercise patience with the commission, “but pray fervently for the implementation of the financial autonomy”.

“If we eventually get this autonomy, every one of us here will be happy and proud of working in this place,” he said.

The signing of the fourth alteration bill by then-President Muhammadu Buhari conferred financial autonomy on state assemblies, as mandated by Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution.

The autonomy allows state legislatures to operate independently, making decisions without executive interference; however, its implementation by governors has remained a challenge.

Mr Irokansi commended the retirees for their dedication and selfless service to the institution and advised them to be prudent with their retirement benefits.

In a speech, the commission’s chairman, Uchechukwu Maduako, represented by commissioner 1, Grace Ibe, thanked the clerk for his positive contributions to the assembly.

“Without the clerk, I wonder how this place will look like. But with his presence in this premises, everything is moving correctly,” Mr Maduako said.

He expressed gratitude to the parliamentary staff for their “unwaivering commitment and invaluable contributions” and the retirees “for your years of expertise and dedication”.

He expressed gratitude to the parliamentary staff for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions.

He also commended the retirees for their expertise and many years of dedicated service to the assembly and the state.

The state chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Sunday Kalu, stated that the group, in collaboration with the clerk, management, and welfare, has decided to organise a befitting send-off ceremony for the retirees.

Mr Kalu said that the ceremony was in honour of his 24 members, who retired between June 1, 2023, and July 31.

“I’m glad and fulfilled to see most of our former colleagues here smiling and healthy,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the other retirees, Alili Onyemaechi, who retired as a deputy clerk, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the honour.

The retirees were later presented with cash and a variety of mementos.

 (NAN)