Anambra assembly worker dies over loan pressure as staff begin indefinite strike after Soludo’s reelection

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

Investigations at the Anambra State House of Assembly complex in Awka have revealed worsening conditions for parliamentary staff, many of whom say they are living in severe hardship under poor welfare and unimplemented allowances.

The dire situation has now resulted in multiple staff deaths and triggered an indefinite nationwide strike joined by the Anambra Assembly workers.

The most recent case is the tragic death of Tochukwu Ezekobe, a staff member in the Publications Department. Ezekobe reportedly obtained a loan from the Assembly to pay her school fees but later faced intense pressure over her inability to repay. She died under mysterious circumstances shortly after receiving a query regarding the loan.

Sources disclosed that Ezekobe’s death is not an isolated incident. Another staff member, Christiana Amasiani, also from the Publications Department, died in similarly distressing circumstances. Her decomposing body was discovered in her room two days after she passed.

According to insiders, the Assembly has lost three staff members this year alone two in January and one in November deaths they blame on harsh economic conditions, extremely poor pay, and lack of welfare support.

Staff members say about 85% of parliamentary workers rely on loans to feed their families. After loan deductions, many reportedly take home as little as N7,000 per month, leaving them in constant financial distress.

Workers also allege that they survive largely on occasional “crumbs” from legislators, as the State government has failed to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), establish the Legislative Service Commission, or pay special allowances stipulated by law.

Despite numerous letters and appeals to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, staff members say their complaints have been ignored.

Insiders further lament that the Anambra House of Assembly lacks both financial and administrative autonomy. They claim that 80% of staff are posted from the Office of the Head of Service, a practice they say is unique to Anambra and Enugu States among the South-East.

They argue that establishing the Legislative Service Commission already backed by law would grant the Assembly the authority to recruit and manage its staff independently, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Workers say Soludo has already constituted the Civil Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission but has avoided establishing the Legislative Service Commission, leaving legislative staff in limbo.

Shockingly, staff members report that they receive only N1,000 as outfit allowance, and no one receives the legislative duty allowance that is paid in other Southeast states. They describe the Assembly as being in a “state of coma” due to lack of autonomy and non-payment of statutory entitlements.

In 2001, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASSAN) secured an agreement with State Governors nationwide for financial autonomy for legislatures. The continued failure to honour this agreement has led to repeated nationwide strikes, including the current one.

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Anambra State House of Assembly complex was barricaded with placards as workers joined the nationwide strike to demand CONLESS implementation and better working conditions.

When contacted, the Majority Leader of the 8th Assembly, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme of Ekwusigo Constituency, confirmed that the Assembly indeed lacks autonomy.

He explained that although the 8th Assembly passed the Legislative Service Commission Law, autonomy cannot be actualized until the commission is constituted by the executive.

Ofodeme stated that once established, the commission would handle employment, salary structures, and other welfare matters for Assembly staff, removing them from the control of the Head of Service.