The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, has debunked reports that lawmakers in the state had been paid to secure alternative accommodation ahead of the planned demolition of their quarters at Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, by the state government under its urban renewal project.
The Speaker said that while the lawmakers saw nothing wrong with the planned demolition of the quarters, built about 46 years ago, to give way to modern apartments and add economic value to the state, the government must pay for their hotel accommodation or provide alternative residences before the demolition.
Elemide also called for complete autonomy for the legislative arm of government for optimal performance and enhanced delivery of dividends of good governance.
This was as the lawmaker equally hailed Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving a constituency projects allowance of N150m for each lawmaker, describing the allocation as unprecedented.
The Speaker disclosed this on Friday at a briefing held at the Assembly Complex within the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, to mark his two years in office.
Elemide said the Assembly under his watch had passed 12 bills, while another eight were at various stages of consideration.
He added that the Assembly had also passed over 60 resolutions aimed at boosting good governance and improving the living conditions of residents of the state.
Speaking on the planned demolition of the official quarters, Elemide said, “If they choose to demolish the legislative quarters, we are only tenants. Our grouse is that for the remaining days of our tenure, we have to be paid in lieu of hotel accommodation, but we have not been paid because we have not received any notice to quit the quarters.
“On the fate of lawmakers coming after us, what we have been told in confidence is that the present building cannot stand the test of time in terms of aesthetics, functionality and ruggedness, or the way an estate should look in the 21st century.
“We still have ample space there. I think what the government wants to do is to build new legislative quarters of duplexes or twin duplexes, which will save space, while the saved space will be used to further add value to the economy of the state.
“A plot of land in that area is around N100m. It is a win-win situation. If they convince us that state funds will not be wasted and that what is being planned will be of immense economic value to the state, we may not object to the government’s decision.
“But up till now, we have not been paid. If they will demolish the quarters, it is only right that they provide alternatives for us. We have also been assured that if the project is carried out, it will be completed before the end of this administration.”
Recall that the state government, in a statement issued last November, announced plans for the demolition and reconstruction of the legislative quarters.
The Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, clarified that the initiative was not an act of extravagance but a necessary investment in public safety and administrative efficiency.
He said the move was based on foresight and prudence, noting that delaying reconstruction could expose officials living in the quarters to greater risks.
“If we fail to act now, successive governments will face even greater financial and safety challenges.
“This decision is, therefore, about foresight, prudence and the responsible management of public assets,” he stated.
Omoniyi said the rebuilding project was a component of the Ogun State Urban and Housing Renewal Master Plan, which aims to replace obsolete infrastructure with durable, cost-effective and sustainable developments that meet modern needs.
Speaking on the legislature’s relationship with the governor, the Speaker said the Assembly had enjoyed a cordial working relationship with Abiodun but noted that it could be improved with complete autonomy.
He said, “We have been enjoying cordial relations with the governor, but there are still areas that need improvement.
“Like others across the country, we are asking for complete autonomy and total independence of the legislature. This will help us operate optimally and serve our people better.
“Though at our current level, the governor is trying his best. For instance, approving N150m worth of constituency projects for each lawmaker is unprecedented in the history of the state.
“It is not that the money was given to us directly. We were told to itemise projects in our constituencies to the tune of N150m, and I have a compendium containing the list of projects executed in each constituency.
“However, what is best for us is complete autonomy. We have administrative autonomy, but we need financial autonomy for optimal performance.”
State legislative autonomy in Nigeria is aimed at empowering State Houses of Assembly to operate independently of executive control, as constitutionally guaranteed through amendments to Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
The provision mandates direct funding of state assemblies from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. However, despite the legal backing, implementation remains challenging due to resistance from state governors.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com