By Yusuf Olatunji
The Speaker of the Ogun State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide has described the one year in office as not just an anniversary for merry making but rather a day to rejoice for the sanctity of the legislative arm.
Rt.Hon Elemide made the statement in a speech, e-signed by the SA to Governor , Mr. Kunle Idowu , delivered at the special plenary , marking the 1st Year Anniversary on Thursday, 20th June, 2024.
His words: "Today is not just an anniversary for merry making, rather it is a day to rejoice that the sanctity of the legislative arm in the State is being restored to deliver on its core duties and responsibilities of promoting quality representation through the passage of people-oriented legislations and resolutions meant to advance good governance, thereby enhancing democratic ideals. " --- he stated.
He disclosed that no fewer than seven (7) bills have been passed and forwarded to the Governor for assent, while seven others are at the various stages of legislative process with over 23 motions passed into resolutions.
"Each of the bills passed touches on the day- to -day running of government in the State, including the yearly appropriation bill, the judiciary fund management and Legislative funds management, as well as amendment to the Magistrates' Court and the Local Government law, 2024."
According to the speaker of the 10th Assembly, he revealed that it is on record that the various issues that required urgent public importance and those that need the immediate attention of government to enhance socio-economic and political development of the State were equally given immediate attention through House Resolutions, and such have been passed to the relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for necessary action. Such issues passed into resolutions include those requesting for a review of the security architecture of the State to strengthen security and further protect lives and properties.
Rt Hon Elemide added that other resolutions passed with a view to promoting good governance and cultural heritage of the residents are those on adoption of the Harmonised Standing Order/ Rules of Procedure for the Nigerian legislature, Urgent Need to Stem the Subtle Take - Over of Native/ Kampala Local Industry by the Chinese, Urgent Need to Clamp Down on the Activities of Cultists Across the State and the Appointment of a Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth in the State.
"This tenth legislature also made a strong case through the passage of resolution requesting the Urgent Need for the State Government to address the Menace of Fake and Expired Drugs in the State; just as the Assembly passed another resolution Lifting the Suspension Restricting the National Union of Road Transport Workers
( NURTW) from performing any Union Activities across all Motor Parks and Garages in the State and Confirmation of Commissioner Nominees and other appointment related resolutions. Those resolutions bordering on conflict resolutions amongst companies and other individuals as well as those protecting human rights were also passed in the last one year.
Aside Bills and Resolutions, this Legislature also performed Quasi-Judicial function during the period under review as it mediates on matters that may cause disharmony among the citizens and/or a breach of the peace of the State. Matters of this nature that were addressed during the period under review included the following among others;
(i) Series of Mediation Meetings/Enquiries were held to resolve issues between Companies and Staff, Corporate Bodies, Transport Unions and Local Governments.
(ii) Enquiry into Management of Land and Landed Property in the State.
Enquiry into Finances of the State through considerations of Annual Reports of the Auditors-General on the Financial Accounts of the State Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and the Local Government Councils.
9. Having been empowered by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that funds appropriated in each fiscal year’s budget were expended on the items for which they were meant, this Legislature also performed Oversight Functions by engaging MDAs on their expenditures towards ensuring that the processes are not only followed, but to also ascertain that such expenditures are in accordance with the appropriation approved for such MDAs."
Speaking on his emergence as the speaker, Rt. Hon Elemide emphasized that , there is no good governance without inherent conflicts but ability to swiftly ensure amicable resolution is what matters most.
"It is in the light of this that all the members rose in unison earlier in the year to effect change of the Assembly’s leadership, by unanimously electing my humble self, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide as the new Speaker of the 10th legislature in the State. Hence, since the Assembly took the step, we have continued to chart a common course for the progress of the Assembly and ensuring smooth working relationship with other arms of government for the delivery of democratic dividends to the people."-- he said.
"At this juncture, I wish to acknowledge the love and unflinching support of the Honourable Members of this House who did not only elected me, but stand firmly behind me and create the enabling environment for me to succeed. I am grateful to you all. Also, I am grateful to the entire staff and security personnel attached to the House for their cooperation and commitments to duty."-- he added.
He disclosed that the progress so far recorded has culminated in the commencement of the renovation of the entire Assembly Complex starting with the Hallowed Chamber which earnestly began last week , saying, " the Chamber has not been renovated in its forty (40) years of existence. "
According to him,the 10th Assembly has also recorded another feat by finding a lasting solution to the issue of potable water that had eluded the House in the time past, with the drilling of a functional borehole in the Complex.
"Of equal importance is the construction of Toilets for the Honourable Members who hitherto face difficulties in answering the call of nature."
Rt.Hon Elemide also mentioned as part of the achievements of the 10th Assembly were the provision of Credit Facility Scheme for Staff, opening of Mini-mart where staff purchase consumable items at control prises and rendering of support to the needy through cash grants.
He rounded off on an assurance note, " Let me assure the good citizen of our dear State that this 10th Assembly will explore all legislative means to partner with the executive arm towards giving our best without compromising the sanctity of the legislative arm. It will also continue to accord necessary priority to the progress and welfare of the Staff and our dear constituents across the State. I therefore implore us all to continue to work collectively for the overall success of the current administration in the State."--- Rt.Hon Elemide concluded.
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