Ekiti governor, Biodun Oyebanji has called on members of the state House of Assembly to engage in constructive oversight functions over the executive arm towards the overall development of the state.
Speaking at a one-day retreat organized for members of the 7th Assembly in the state, Oyebanji urged the lawmakers to uphold the principle of integrity, diligence, and service in discharge of their legislative responsibilities to achieve the shared prosperity agenda for the state.
Represented by the Secretary to state government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, the governor said, “Our legislative body must actively engage with stakeholders including community members, experts and other governmental bodies. We must ensure we work effectively with executive agencies to ensure that oversight is constructive.
“Our work is not just about creating policy but about changing the future of Ekiti State and improve the lives of our dear citizens. I wish to urge you to seize this opportunity to refresh and restrategize in ensuring that we are diligent in our legislative oversight functions.”
Speaking on the theme of the retreat, ‘ Legislating And Oversight In A Challenging Time ‘ Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye said that the gathering was necessary to prepare members and staff of the Assembly for the new legislative year.
He pledged the commitment of the legislators to more effective representation and oversight in the challenging period while decrying the poor salary structure of the legislative arm of government.
According to him, “When you look at the humongous request members receive everyday, the Assembly is still earning what the then members of the 4th Assembly are earning. You have to manage the expectations of the people and manage your own resources so that all will work together for the common good of our people and the development of the State.
“We won’t do less and we are upping our game. We will ensure that we have laws that are live impacting that touches even the vulnerable members of the society. We will carry out our oversight functions and carry it out so that there will be transparency and accountability in governance.”
The lectures delivered by the resource persons include; “Financial Management and Welfare of Honourable Members” by the Commissioner For Finance, Akin Oyebode; “Legislative And Oversight in a Troubled Time” by Mike Omilusi and “Drowning in the Sea of Expectations: The Constituent Financial Pressure and Legislative Responsibilities of Lawmakers in Nigeria” by Akeem Bello.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then