By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
Ahead of the Ondo State lawmakers-elect inauguration in June, the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has again assured the incoming 10th Assembly of his administration’s non-interference in its affairs.
Akeredolu stated this in Owo at the two-day induction programme organised for the 26 lawmakers-elect of the 10th Assembly.
He said his administration holds dearly and respects the principle of separation of powers among the three organs of government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Against the backdrop of an independent Assembly, you would be expected to legislate properly and effectively, with a view to promoting good governance and development for the overall benefit of our people”, he stressed.
Akeredolu while charging the lawmakers-elect to see themselves as trustees of the entire State, congratulated them that the decision of their constituents to elect them as representatives is a big testimony of the confidence reposed in them.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa described legislature as the engine room of democracy, adding that when legislature is removed, what is left with is autocracy.
He noted that his administration had a robust relationship with the outgoing 9th assembly and urged the incoming 10th assembly on same for continued development.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun, who declared the event open, said the essence of the programme was to broaden the minds of the elected legislators on legislative agenda, the procedures and processes as well as to remind them of the primary needs of their people.
Oleyelogun noted that the programme is the process of introducing Members- elect to the legislative terrain, emphasizing that any knowledge acquired at the end of the programme will go a long way in determining performances as legislators.
According to him, it offers a unique opportunity for participants to begin their assignment on a right footing, bearing in mind that it is a veritable in developing and deepening democratic structures.
The Speaker affirmed that there is a lot of work to be done in the Tenth Parliament, saying that induction programme like this will certainly help their ability to perform effectively and efficiently.
Earlier in his welcome address, Clerk of the House, Jaiyeola Benjamin noted that orientation and training are ways through which new entrants to an organisation acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours to become effective organizational members and insiders and ensure exposure to critical information and knowledge pertaining to their work and environment.
While describing legislature as the bedrock of democracy and the closest arm of government to the people, he added that every institution has its values, history, culture, rules and procedures but what binds them all is being public representatives, mandated to better the lives of the people.
He, therefore, encouraged them to take the sittings of the House seriously, informing that by virtue of section 104 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered), the House of Assembly shall sit for a period of not less than One Hundred and eighty-one,181days in a year.
Various papers were presented at the induction programme which include, roles of bureaucracy and legislative aides, lawmaking process and the statotary instruments, among others.
