By Enyim Enyim

ONITSHA—Workers in Anambra State House of Assembly, under the aegis of Anambra State Parliamentary Association, have demanded payment of the 35% duty allowance paid to their counterparts in other states of the federation.

The new chairman of the association, Mr Okey Nwobi, while speaking with Vanguard after the inauguration of his executive, said since 1999, the workers have been receiving 25% of their basic salary as duty allowance against the federal government’s approved rate.

Nwobi appealed to the state governor, Mr Peter Obi, to look into the matter with a view to paying them what their colleagues in other states were receiving, including outfit allowance, which had been denied workers in Anambra State.

Nwobi, a former vice chairman of the union, was elected Anambra State House of Assembly chairman of the union in a peaceful and keenly contested election, having scored the highest votes against his opponent, Mr Nnaemeka. O. C.

The election followed the appointment of the former chairman, Mr Chidi Ezekwe, as special adviser to a commissioner in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Nwobi reminded his members of the objectives of the union, which includes securing the complete organisation of the parliamentary staff in the services of the National and State Houses of Assembly; fostering and nurturing the growth and principles of all parliaments in Nigeria and representing, whenever necessary, the opinions of members of the association on matters directly and indirectly relating to terms and conditions of employment in National and State Houses of Assembly.