Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly on Wednesday held a parliamentary meeting aimed at addressing pending legislative matters and reaffirming their commitment to the development of the State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, said the gathering was long overdue and commended the leadership of the House for convening the meeting.
According to him, the lawmakers considered it necessary to meet in order to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking and oversight, following concerns from members of the public over the prolonged absence of plenary sittings and committee meetings.
He said the meeting focused on issues affecting the development of Ondo State, including constituency projects, community development and the welfare of residents across the 18 local government areas.
The lawmaker disclosed that members also deliberated extensively on the recurring flooding affecting riverine communities, noting that the House had resolved to engage all relevant government agencies to address the situation.
Ifabiyi explained that while some of the agencies invited attended the meeting, others requested another date to appear before the lawmakers. Consequently, the House has scheduled another parliamentary meeting in about two weeks to continue deliberations.
He added that all House committee chairmen had been directed to immediately resume their regular committee sittings and oversight functions to ensure effective legislative business.
On the political issues surrounding the Assembly, Ifabiyi stated that members had not abandoned their position but were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stressed that no decision had been taken to withdraw from their course of action, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
“The resolution of members remains pending until the leadership of the party invites us and gives further instructions,” he said.
Responding to questions on whether Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had intervened in the matter, the Information Committee Chairman said the governor had not interfered in the affairs of the legislature.
He, however, maintained that it was normal for the APC, as the ruling party controlling the House, to mediate in any internal disagreements among its members.
“If we are all members of the APC, it is only natural for the party leadership to bring everyone together whenever there is any misunderstanding. Our political family should be able to resolve its issues internally,” he said.
Ifabiyi also dismissed allegations that lawmakers were offered cash inducements to influence the parliamentary meeting or its outcome.
He described the allegation as “totally false” and insisted that members of the Assembly remained focused, disciplined and committed to completing whatever legislative process they had initiated.
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