By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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Towards ensuring smooth working relationship and robust legislation in the Southwest Nigeria, the Speakers of Ondo,Oyo and Osun State Assemblies have resolved to deepen peer review, collaborate and synergise with a view to bringing dividends of democracy to the people of Southwest.
Ondo State Speaker, Olamide Oladiji disclosed this yesterday while receiving the Speakers of Osun and Oyo Houses of Assembly, Edward Adebo Ogundoyin and Adewale Egbedun in his office.
While appreciating them for the show of love, he noted that the visit was a novel one, promising to build on the initiative as it would go a long way in strengthening the bond of unity across the Southwest.
Oladiji, who described the visit as a right step in a right direction irrespective of political affiliation, assured that the gesture would no doubt bring about meaningful development and unity to the entire Southwest.
Earlier, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Edward Adebo Ogundoyin, said the motive behind the visit was to open a channel of communication between the Southwest States as such would build a better relationship, especially the legislative.
“We are here to show that we stand together as one, especially in the Southwest, irrespective of our political affiliation. This country belongs to all of us and we must ensure we make it great again,”he said.
According to him, fostering the relationship among the Southwest States would not only bring development, but quality representation by the House of Assembly.
“We are looking for how to build a legislative institution where there will be no threat to anyone.It will be a joy to the people of the States.We will ensure that we build a legislative Institution during our tenure,”he explained.
Speaking on financial autonomy, Ogundoyin explained that the bill had already been signed by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, saying it is now a constitutional matter which would be visited soon.
He expressed optimism that the new increment in the cash allocation to States by the Federal Government would capture both the Judiciary and States’ Houses of Assembly.
Osun Assembly Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, observed that there is much to achieve in coming together as a formidable family.
He however, appealed to other States in the Southwest to key into the crusade, saying it would go a long way in achieving a common goal.
