Date Published: 05/12/11

Governor Fayemi charges legislators-elect to collaborate with him for succeful implementation of the 8-point agenda

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has charged the newly elected legislators from the state into the state and national assemblies to collaborate with the executive arm of government in translating his administration’s 8-point agenda for the benefit of the people.

Governor Fayemi who gave the charge while declaring open a retreat organized by the state government for the legislators- elect at the Royal Park Hotels, Iloko-Ijesa, stressed the need for the lawmakers to concentrate on passing bills that would promote their constituencies and enhance social services.

Congratulating them on their victory at the polls, Fayemi however emphasized that the legislators elect must be ready for the challenges ahead of them, noting that they had been entrusted with position of trust and responsibility that required going extra mile in order to meet the yearnings of the electorate.

According to him, no legislator should be a benchwarmer but must be proactive and always contribute meaningfully in deliberations in their various Houses adding that he was not averse to a House of assembly that would keep the executive arm of government on its toes towards ensuring purposeful governance.

In his keynote speech titled “Legislature in a Presidential Democracy- the Nigeria experience, the Senate Deputy Minority Speaker, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora itemized the functions of the legislature as well as the limitations and challenges of lawmaking.

Mamora stressed the need for the three arms of government to operate under what he called the principle of cooperation, collaboration and coordination in an atmosphere of interdependence, mutual respect and understanding.

While noting that Constituency project as a policy had come to stay and has become an instrument  for legislators to attract projects to their various constituencies, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly said that the projects should not be handled by the legislators as it could amount to conflict of interest adding that they may however monitor the execution of the projects.

He charged the legislators elect to rise up to the popular and genuine expectations of the people, stressing that the legislature has a duty to be responsive and responsible as it cannot afford to be docile and timid in asserting its authority.

Senator elect for the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Mr. Babafemi Ojudu described the retreat as worthwhile and timely, adding that the programme which was attended by elected legislators from both the PDP and the ACN would boost their capacity to represent the people in their various assignments in both the state and national assemblies.