By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence in the security network “Amotekun Corps” in the State.

The House stated this in its resolution at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji.

The House raised matters of urgent public importance concerning Fulani herdsmen attacks in Ondo State and the performance of Amotekun, describing the activities of Fulani herdsmen as worrisome.

They condemned the recent killing of innocent farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Northern Senatorial District and called for all hands to be on deck to checkmate this ugly act.

The House affirmed that it has passed a bill prohibiting open grazing in the State.

The lawmakers emphasised that the security of Ondo residents is crucial and that, as representatives of the people, they need to support the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to ensure the security of lives and property.

The House resolved that the State Amotekun Corps should be further empowered to curtail insecurity and called on other security agencies to work together to ensure a safe environment.

“Ondo State is well known for its peace, where citizens and residents go about their legitimate livelihoods without fear of any kind. As lawmakers, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals to disrupt the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the State.”

Meanwhile, a bill to amend the Ondo State House of Assembly Services Commission Law 2021 has been passed into law.

The passage followed the submission of a report by the Committee on Human Capital, presented by its Chairman, Chief Olatunji Oshati, representing Ose Constituency, for consideration and approval.

Oshati, while presenting the report, explained that the idea of passing the bill into law was welcomed by committee members as it would address and correct the lacunae in the principal law.

He said it would also smooth the administrative operations of the State House of Assembly Service Commission, correcting common mistakes such as typographical errors and removing irrelevant clauses.

The Chairman noted that the amended Section 12(1)(a) of the principal law would stipulate that the commission shall appoint the most senior Deputy Clerk as the substantive Clerk of the House, subject to the confirmation of the House by resolution. It provided that no person shall serve in an acting capacity in the office of the Clerk of the House for a period exceeding six months, except by a resolution of the House for a further term of six months only.

The amendment of Section 12(b) of the principal law stated that at least three Deputy Clerks from among the most senior directors should be appointed, and such officers shall be at least on GL 16 of the Assembly’s service. The nomenclature shall be: (i) Deputy Clerk (Legislative Matters), (ii) Deputy Clerk (Legal Service), and (iii) Deputy Clerk (Finance and Administration).

The Majority Leader of the House, representing Owo Constituency I, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, while moving a motion for the bill to be read a third time and passed into law, appreciated the Committee for ensuring the necessary steps were taken. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, representing Akure South Constituency I, Olajide Oguntodu.