…Seeks Full Autonomy For Legislative Arm
The Speaker of the Ogun state House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide has called for a total legislative autonomy at the federal and state level in order for democracy to survive in the country.
Elemide stated this while speaking with newsmen at a press briefing to mark his one year in office after the impeachment of former speaker, Olakunle Oluomo
The speaker noted that though some states have administrative and financial autonomy, the need for total autonomy is imperative for thorough separation of powers within the three arms of governments.
“The reality is that we are not equal. The executive is termed as number one, legislative as number two while the judiciary is seen as number three and this reflects in our day to day activities.
“No arm of government is completely independent of the other but we have talked a lot about autonomy. To a great extent, we can say we have administrative autonomy, but a lesser extent of financial autonomy.
“But what we are clamoring for is complete and full autonomy of the legislative arm of government”, he said
Elemide, while reiterating his achievements in one year says the Assembly has passed a total of eleven bills, while over 42 motions were passed into Resolutions for the promotion of peace, order and good governance in the State.
He added that over 90 petitions were received within the period on issues affecting the various constituencies across the State, saying that the majority of the issues were on land-grabbing activities.
He noted that the Assembly had passed the anti-land grabbing bill, which had since been assented to by the Governor, stressing the need for the relevant security agencies to step up machineries for the prosecution of land – grabbers in the State.
Describing the legislature as the bedrock of democracy, the Speaker emphasized the complementary roles of all the arms of government in a democracy.
He said that for democracy to thrive, there must be symbiotic relationships among all arms of government, saying the Assembly relationship with the executive arm had remained cordial which culminated in the overall development of the State.
Speaking on the Legislative function, Rt Hon. Elemide emphasizes the importance of legislating for peace, order, and good governance, referencing Section 90 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said in the last one year that he was elected as the Speaker, the assembly has consistently performed appropriation and oversight functions, with a focus on plenary and oversight activities.
He highlighted some of the breakthroughs to include the resolution of over 90 petitions in the past year, many of which were public issues, and the establishment of a legislative compliance committee.
“The assembly has made significant improvements to its infrastructure, including the provision of portable water and the purchase of conference chairs and tables.
“Improvements in Assembly Infrastructure which include the purchase of conference chairs and tables, replacing temporary furniture, and the ongoing renovation of the assembly complex.
The assembly has also provided official vehicles to members, with a preference for Fortuna models, despite criticism.
Capacity building for members has been a priority, with workshops and training sessions held both locally and internationally.
“The assembly has passed numerous resolutions and motions, with 11 laws passed in the past year, and a legislative compliance committee established to ensure compliance with these laws.
Speaking on the principle of separation of Powers and Legislative Independence, Hon Elemide said separation of powers and the independence of the legislature is an essential ingredient for democracy to thrive.
He emphasized the assembly’s role in representation and oversight, saying that the assembly has the power to appoint its leadership, as per Section 92 of the Constitution, and maintains a cooperative relationship with the executive.
“The assembly’s calendar begins from the first sitting, with the current session expected to terminate in June 2025,
Speaking on the constituency project allowance and constituency project fund, Elemide noted that the assembly has not received any constituency project fund for some period now, but the constituency allowance which is less than Thirty Five Thousand Naira is being paid monthly.
He said , “the constituency project allowance is meant to support members in visiting their constituencies, but the current allowance is insufficient.
The assembly has not been able to undertake constituency projects due to lack of funds, despite the budgetary allocation for such projects.
“The assembly has passed a law to digitalize its activities and make public records accessible online, aiming to improve transparency and accountability.
He lamented that the economic challenges faced by the state, is seriously affecting its operations which is causing a great impact of inflation on developmental projects.
Elemide said the assembly has supported the executive's efforts to attract investments and promote economic development, such as the Shagamu Industrial Space.“The assembly has also worked to bring in large companies like Dangote, which have positively impacted the state’s economy.
He then emphasized "the importance of obeying and providing accurate information to the legislature to facilitate effective governance.
