Written by Lawal Jamiu A.

Ogun State House of Assembly today marks the second anniversary of assumption of office by Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, just as he took the stock of his achievements during a media parley at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Speaker expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, members of the Executive Council, his co-lawmakers, the management and staff of the Assembly for their support and continued collaboration in giving the best to the people of the State.

He explained that the Assembly had witnessed significant infrastructural transformation, including the upgrade and redesigning of the Assembly Chamber and the entire Complex into an ultra-modern facility, refurbishment of members’ offices, staff offices on the ground floor, sinking of a borehole and recruitment of additional members of staff.

Rt. Hon. Elemide disclosed that the harmonious relationship between the Legislature and the Executive led to the unprecedented approval of ₦150m constituency project funds meant to facilitate infrastructural projects by the State lawmakers to their various constituencies, to complement the State government’s efforts in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

He disclosed that within the last two years, the 10th Legislature in the State had passed over 12 bills including the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Law, the Principals General Establishment Law, and the Obas and Chiefs Law., with eight others at various legislative stages; while over 60 resolutions had equally been passed to address various issues affecting constituents across the State.

The Speaker further clarified that the Assembly often considered executive and private members’ bills; while challenges encountered included duplication of proposed laws, diverse stakeholders’ interests and funding constraints due to the absence of full financial autonomy often affect their legislative activities, adding that plans were underway to digitalise legislative operations in the State.

On welfare, media relations and oversight functions, he stated that the conditions had improved compared to the time past; while reaffirming the Assebly’s commitment to quarterly oversight, adding that optimal performance could only be achieved with full legislative autonomy.

The Speaker clarified issues surrounding the legislative quarters, while reiterating that there is a very cordial relationship between the Legislature and Executive arm of government.

He also disclosed that the passage of land grabbing was meant to address cases of land grabbing and related offences.