Legislature

Let Amendment of Electoral Act Reflect Yearnings of Nigerians – Makinde

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By Iyabo Adebisi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has urged the National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters to give Nigerians an amended electoral act that would reflect the yearnings of the country and put it on the trajectory of development. 

He stated this during a working visit of the National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan. 

Governor Makinde who noted that the amended electoral act 2022 has brought quality to the Nation’s electoral process as reflected in the last general elections, enjoined the committee to be mindful and shun personal interest in the task of giving the people an acceptable electoral act. 

The governor expressed the readiness of the state government to support the committee in the task ahead describing it as the basis because participatory democracy required laws that would effectively govern the people. 

Earlier, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli has intimated the governor that the committee was in Ibadan for a legislative summit to interact with youths to get their inputs on the ongoing review of electoral act 2022.

Senator Alli explained that parts of the review was to ensure that all litigation on election matters are concluded before the swearing-in. 

Also, the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Prince Adebayo Balogun added that the House would adopt the principle of inclusivity to move round all the six geo-political zones to give an electoral act that Nigerians would be proud off. 

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Politics

Osun Assembly Rolls out Standing Committee

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By Mojisola Oladele

Osun State House of Assembly sets up House of Assembly Standing Committees for 8th Assembly.

The composition of the House of Assembly Committee was announced by the Speaker of the Parliament, Prince Adewale Egbedun during the Plenary of the House.

Prince Egbedun said the committees were set up to enable the 8th Assembly commence its oversight functions in earnest. 

The Committees and Chairmen included; Rules and Business, Mr. Adewumi Kofoworola, Industrial Relation: Mr Olayiwola Taofeek, Finance and Appropriation: Mr. Fatunmise Saheed, Media and Public Enlightenment:

Mr. Oladimeji Adekunle, Public Account: Mr. Lawal Bamidele Land, Physical Planning and Urban Development: Mr. Adeoti Olalekan.

Others are Environment and Sanitation: Mr. Ogundare Folorunso Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and Legal Matters: Barrister Kanmi Ajibola, Agriculture and Food Security: Mr Olatunbosun Oladimeji, Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment: Mr Areoye Ebenezer, Health : Doctor Ajibade Kasope, Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism: Mr. Rabiu Adesina, House Service Matters: Mr. Akerele Olawale, Education: Mr. Oderinwale Elisha, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs: Mr. sAsagade Olujinmi. 

Also, Public Works and Transport: Mr. Abiola Waheed, Regional Integration and Special Duties: Mr Ogunrinade Rotimi, Youth, Sports and Special Needs: Mr. Awoyeye Jeremiah, Women and Children Affairs: Barrister Popoola Simeon, Water Resources and Energy: Mr Ajibola Olaide, Rural and Community Development: Mr. Akinloye Sikiru, Security and Inter-parliamentary: Barrister Adeyemi Tajudeen and Legislative Compliance: Ibrahim Olanrewaju. 

Meanwhile, Osun State Disability Protection Bill 2023 and Osun State illegal Mining Prohibition bill 2023 scaled through its first reading. 

However, the Policy Thrust of Osun State Local Content bill 2023 was highlighted by Majority Leader, Mr. Kofoworola Babajide.

Mr.Babajide noted that the bill would help to gather data and help to increase internal generated revenue for the state.

He added that the bill would improve the people welfare of the citizens.

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Lifestyle

Eruwa Stands Still as Chief Justina Ogundoyin is Laid to Rest

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By Mosope Kehinde

Political office holders, business associates, friends and well-wishers joined the Ogundoyin family to pay their last respect to Chief Mrs Justina Ogundoyin, mother of the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo.

At the funeral service held on Friday at Eleruwa Stadium, Eruwa in the Ibarapa zone of Oyo state, in his sermon, Father Felix Akinyode of Catholic Ibadan Dioceses, appealed to Nigeria’s political leaders to prioritize the integration of unity across religious and tribal divides.

Father Akinyode, who decried the level of tribal and religious division in the country, said that late Justina’s marriage to the late business mogul, Adeseun Ogundoyin portrayed the unity that should be encouraged among citizens.

He said the late Chief Ogundoyin was physically available for the work of God despite her status.

While speaking on behalf of the family, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, said the pain and loss of parents, especially the mother were immeasurable but took solace in the fact that their mother lived a life of service to God.

“I can say it a million times; you’re a mother anyone would love to have. It is a success story for me and my siblings today because Mum was there when we need her most”

“She demonstrated uncommon inner strength and performed the arduous and invaluable roles of both parents when our Dad answered the ultimate call in 1991 precisely on the 18th of June. But mum all alone through tick and thin gave us the best parental love and care anyone could hope for.”

“At a particular time, I accused her of loving outsiders more than her own children and she laughed and said” Debo, try to be kind to people and God will be kind to you” He added

Dignitaries at the event included members of the State Advisory Council, Assembly lawmakers and Lawmakers-Elect, PDP Southwest Deputy Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima and other personalities

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Environment

I will complete all developmental projects – Gov. Adeleke

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By Funmi Adekoya

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State says he will complete all ongoing projects of the previous administration in the state.

Governor Adeleke stated this when he received members of the Osun State House of Assembly who paid a courtesy visit at the Executive lounge of the Governor’s Office, Abere.

He said his administration has embarked on several developmental projects in the state assuring the upgrading of the facilities in the State House of Assembly.

Governor Adeleke who noted that he would not tolerate any activities that would truncate the peace in the state before, during or after the election said, he has called for an emergency meeting with all security chiefs to ensure peace in the state.

Earlier, the Speaker, of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye, with the support of Governor Adeleke, had promised to move the state forward, adding that, members of the parliament are putting politics and party affiliation aside to join hands with the Governor’s administration to develop the State.

“We can see that your administration has already commenced working. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you sir”, he added.

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News

Ogun Assembly Passes Medium Term Expenditure Framework Bill

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The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution approving the revised 2022-2024 State Medium Term Expenditure Framework MTEF. 
The approval followed the presentation of the report of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Mr Kunle Sobukanla, who subsequently moved the motion for its adoption, and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote,at a plenary presided over by Speaker ,Mr Olakunle Oluomo.
Also, the Assembly passed two bills meant to sustain the dignity and honour of the traditional institution as well as creating the State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission for the entrenchment of probity, accountability and transparency. 
The passage of the bills followed the separate presentations of the reports of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy as well as Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption by their Chairmen, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi and Mr Musefiu Lamidi.
Responding, Speaker,Mr Oluomo Olakunle directed that the clean copies of the bills be forwarded to the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his assent. 
In another development, the Assembly has commiserated with the families of a late former lawmaker who represented Ijebu East State Constituency betwwen 2003-2007, Adebayo  Ifesanwo as well as the Olowu of Owu, Oba Dosunmu  Adegboyega and the Oniwasinmi of Wasinmi, Oba Babatunde Emmanuel Osuntogun, thus observing a minute silence in their honour.


Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Economy

Governor Abiodun To Present 2022 Budget Before House On Tuesday

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state is expected to present the 2022 Appropriation Bill before the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, next week.
The budget presentation is In line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended .

The Deputy Clerk of the Assembly,  Mrs.Funmi Adeyemi, in a statement says the presentation of the 2022 Budget proposal, being the third since the inception of the present administration in the State will take place at the Assembly Complex Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta at 10.00 in the morning .

It adds that all invited stakeholders, guests and other Government functionaries are expected to be seated in line with COVID-19 protocols by 9.30 in the morning.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Politics

Governor Fayemi Present 2022 Budget Proposal Before House Of Assembly

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In Ekiti State, over one hundred billion nairas is to be spent in the 2022 fiscal year.

The budget Proposal christened “budget of Legacy and Consolidation” was presented by the Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi before members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly during a plenary in Ado Ekiti.

The 2022 budget proposal which is five per cent lower than the 2021 budget was said to have been prepared based on the current economic realities.

In his analysis, the Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi said that over 36 billion nairas would be spent on Governance, infrastructure and industrial development,28 billion nairas,  Knowledge-Economy 19 billion nairas,  while social Investment got 14 billion nairas.

According to Governor Fayemi, recurrent expenditure stood at 60 billion nairas, while the capital got over 40 billion naira

He said that the budget had been tailored towards addressing economic challenges, boosting infrastructure, creating Job opportunities and meaningful growth that would bring sustainable peace to Ekiti.

Governor Fayemi maintained that his administration remained committed to the management of available resources by ensuring transparency, accountability and probity.

The governor listed some of the projects completed and inaugurated out of the 2012 budget to include, college of Agriculture, renovation of schools, reconstruction of roads, Egbe, Ero and  Ureje dams.

As part of measures to ensure a healthy society, the Ekiti State Governor explained that over two million indigenes would be vaccinated in 2022 to prevent the state from the third waves of the COVID-19 and other diseases to safeguard the health of citizens.

He maintained that the aims and objectives of the budget proposal would be adequately protected with a promise not to relax in the efforts to make Ekiti great.

In his acceptance speech, the speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly,  Mr Funminiyi Afuye appreciated Governor Fayemi and other Executive members for the landmark achievements recorded in the state and expressed confidence that the 2022 budget would sustain the spate of Development in the state.

Mr Afuye however assured that the Assembly members would do justice to the appropriation bill in line with the current administration’s efforts to make meaningful change.

Oriola Afolabi

News Analysis

Impact Of Legislative Arms In Governance

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In every democratic setting, there are three basic arms of government which are the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

These arms are independent in their operations and at the same time serve as checks and balances on one another to avoid over concentration of power in a single authority.

Though the primary responsibility of the legislative arm of government is to formulate laws, Nigerian constitution also empowers lawmakers to embark on other certain legislative duties.

These include amendment of laws, oversight functions, screening and confirmation of political appointees, approval of executive loans and proper representation of constituents on matter of urgent public importance.

On many occasions, the lawmakers lobby many issues to be in the favour of the legislature, their constituencies, and for personal political gains, especially issues on infrastructure, projects and budgetary allocations.

In doing so, sometimes there are clashes of interest among the lawmakers as; they become bias and only see reasons to place priority on personal interest than national interest.

These rivalries are not in exception of executive-legislative relationship especially in situations where they belong to different political parties or caucuses within the same party.  

However, it has been proven that this development had in the past had negative impact in the delivery of good governance to the citizenry.

So, it is necessary for all the arms of governments, especially the executive and the legislature as partners in progress to work towards achieving a common goal of development.

But in doing so, lawmakers both at the national and state houses of assemblies, should remain independent, objective, interface with relevant stakeholders and serve as watchdog on all the tiers of government to avoid been referred to as “rubber stamp”.

Only laws that will positively affect the masses, women and children should be given accelerated consideration and priority as they are the most vulnerable in the society.  

Since the electorate have the right to engage their representatives on matters affecting them, members of the assemblies should endeavour to regularly make themselves available to their constituencies for constant engagements on their needs.

The quest for nation building must be a collective responsibility; therefore constituents should not see their lawmakers as money bags who are to splash public money on people, rather engage them on their electioneering promises.

Constituents should also understand that lawmakers are for the formation of laws and monitoring through oversight functions, not for infrastructural projects which is one of the sole responsibilities of the executives

Standing committees on legislative compliance in the national and houses of assemblies across the country should be up and doing at ensuring motions, resolutions and bills passed are implemented by the executive and other relevant authorities.   

Since the legislature is an institution where people directly involved in the democratic process through their representatives, it is significant at achieving good governance

With these legislative duties and more, it has become evident that the parliamentarians play major roles in either to make or mar the sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

To achieve the common goals of development, good governance and dividend of democracy for all, lawmakers must live above party divides, personal interest and avoid politicizing national issues at the detriment of the masses.

Mosope Kehinde

Security

Oyo Assembly Demands Investigation into Recent Killings in Ajaawa

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Oyo state House of Assembly has demanded investigation into recent kidnappings, killings and alleged Police invasion of Ajaawa in Ogo-oluwa local government area of the state, with a view to curbing recurrence. 

In a matter of urgent public importance brought to the house by Mr Simeon Oyeleke, the lawmaker raises alarm over increase in kidnap cases in Ajaawa and briefed the house about a youth/ police clash over alleged arrest of some notable members of the town. 

Mr Oyeleke alleged that officers of the Nigeria police force shot sporadically while attempting to make the arrest and in the process killed two persons leading to clash with the youth. 

He said the ugly incidence has made police officers to abandon their duties in the town for fear of being attacked, causing panic and closure of schools, markets and the local government secretariat. 

Deliberating on the matter, Mr Seyi Adisa representing Afijio state constituency and Mr Fola Oyekunle representing Ibadan North constituency 1 called for thorough investigation into the remote cause of the alleged killings. 

In a resolution, speaker of the house, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin directed the committee on security and strategy to meet with the Oyo State commissioner of Police and report back to the house within two weeks. 

Meanwhile, the Oyo state central staff loan board amendment bill failed to scale through the second reading as the lawmakers rejected the bill, citing replication of laws as excuse. 

Mosope Kehinde

News Politics

FINANCIAL AUTONOMY WILL CURB EXECUTIVE EXCESSES- OSUN STATE SPEAKER

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The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye  has described agitation for financial autonomy of the state Legislature as a weapon to curb the excesses of Executive arm of government.

Mr. Owoeye who stated this during the plenary at the State House of Assembly, Osogbo, frowned at the non implementation of the financial autonomy by the Executive arm of government as contained in the Constitution section 121 (3) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that the issue of financial autonomy had been a national issue since 2018, stressing that the financial autonomy for legislature is a way to liberate Houses of Assembly financially.
Reading the Policy Trust of the Bill, the Majority Leader, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju enumerated benefits of the bill to include provision of legal framework for various committees and improve legislative workers Welfare’s.
In their various comments, the Lawmakers noted that the bill if passed into law would enhance every activity of the House of Assembly positively and less dependent on the Executive arm of government.
They maintained that the Bill would allow House of Assembly to be more focus on their constitutionally assignments adding that the Bill would deepen democracy and enable each arm of government to run it’s affairs independently.
The Bill scale through the second reading after the motion moved by Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju and seconded by member representing Ayedire State Constituency, Mr. Gbenga Ogunkanmi.

FUNMI ADEKOYA

Politics

Ogun House Of Assembly Shut Over Call For National Strike By Parliamentary Staff Association Of Nigeria, PASAN.

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Plenary and other legislative activities were grounded at the Ogun Assemby as Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, state chapter, joined other 35 states of the federation on an indefinite strike. 

Radio Nigeria reports that the strike was as a result of the refusal of government to implement financial autonomy for state houses of Assembly as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, As amended.

Addressing the journalist, the State Chairman, Parliamentary staff association of Nigeria, Mr. James Obanla noted that the assembly staff had to join the strike as ordered by the national body of PASAN,  saying that all activities would be grounded indefinitely.

Mr Obanla explained that several notice had been issued to the government on the need to implement the financial autonomy signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Speaking on the benefits of the financial autonomy when fully implemented, he opined that the autonomy would enhance the business of government and also provide room for separation of power.

Meanwhile,The Speaker , Ogun State House of Assembly Mr. Olakunle Oluomo has appealed to the State Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria ,PASAN to be calm and  allow for further engagements between the Conference of Speakers of State legislatures and Forum of Governors. 

Mr Oluomo made the appeal today, while addressing the leadership of the Association in the State led by Mr James Obanla.

The Speaker explained that further engagements between the concerned parties became important to sort out grey areas, especially on the implementation process of the autonomy.

Mr Oluomo added that the forum of Governors have promised to resolve the issue within the next two weeks, to enable smooth implementation.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Lifestyle

Story Pics: Oyo Assembly Presents Letter of Condolence to Ajimobi’s Family

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Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have visited the family of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi.

On the occasion, the Oyo lawmakers presented a letter of condolence to the widow of the deceased, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

L-r: Widow, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin Presenting a letter of Condolence after leading a delegation of the Principal Officers of the House to Mrs Ajimobi on Monday at Oluyole Estate Residence of the late former governor.

Kayode Banjo/ Bukola Aluko