By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON has urged the State House of Assembly members elect that in the days ahead, they should mutually engage one another and champion the interest of the generality of the people of the State.

He made this call at the two-day induction program for members elect of the State House on Assembly, held at Mydas Hotel, Owo, on Monday

Governor Akeredolu who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa stressed that “you are no doubt aware of the critical constitutional roles of the Legislature in our democracy. The constitution grants you enormous powers and responsibilities which centre on the making and amending of laws for the State and performing oversight functions”.

“It is for this reason that this induction has been organised to sharpen your intellects and familiarise you with the business of the Legislative Assembly. This forum therefore avails you the opportunity to learn, unlearn and re-learn”.

“We would like to assure you that this administration will continue with the policy of non- interference in the business of the State House of Assembly”.

“Against the backdrop of an independent Assembly, you would be expected to legislate properly and effectively, with a view to promoting good governance and development for the overall benefit of our people”.

“Once again, we congratulate you all as we look forward to a robust cooperation between the 10th Assembly and the Executive arm in the onerous task of building a more virile Ondo State for our people and for the unborn children”.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, who had earlier declared the event open revealed that the significance of the programme rest on the fact that it is the process of introducing Members- elect to a new job, skill, organisation, environment, lexicon, language etc.

He stressed that “any knowledge you acquire at the end of this programme will go a long way in determining your performances as legislators by the time the Tenth Assembly is inaugurated”.

In his welcome address, the Clerk of the house, Barr. Benjamin Jaiyeola congratulated the members elect for their success, adding that the orientation and training through which new entrants to an organization acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours to become effective organizational members and insiders.

“It is usually more conversational in nature, by allowing all participants to have exposure to critical information and knowledge pertaining to their work and environment”.

Jaiyeola, however, urged them to take the Sitting of the House seriously because by virtue of section 104 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered), the House of Assembly shall sit for a period of not less than One Hundred and eighty-one
days in a year.

Various papers were presented at the induction programme which include, roles of bureaucracy and legislative aides, lawmaking process and the statotary instruments, among others.