…..Says lawmakers are not Rubber stamp, lists most important bills passed.
The Ondo State House of Assembly today declared that it has passed over 63 bills into laws in the last four years under the 9th assembly.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Youth and Sports Development, Akogun Olugbenga Omole, disclosed this in Akure at a Valedictory Media Chat held at the Assembly complex to highlight some of the achievements of the outgoing 9th Assembly under the Speaker, Rt Hon Bamidele Oleyelogun.
The Speaker represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Samuel Aderoboye had earlier said that there was a need for the people of Ondo State to know the performance of the 26 lawmakers through the media.
Omole said the 9th Assembly is not a rubber-stamp lawmakers as being insinuated in some quarters, saying that they cooperated with the Executive Arm in order to move the state forward.
Omole said, “It will interest you to note that the House has passed over 63 bills into law in the last four years. Some of the bills have no doubt given succour and comfort to the people of Ondo State, while some have apparently contributed to the general wellbeing and social economy status of the people of the State.
“Some of these bills that were passed into law includes: A bill for a law to raise the retirement age of Professors, academic and non-academic staff in the state owned Tertiary Institutions.
“A bill for a law to establish the Ondo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun Corps to strengthen security in the State.
“A bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Ondo State Security Trust Fund. A bill for a law to provide for the establishment of an independent office of the Auditor-General and provide for the audit of public Accounts.
“A bill for a law to amend the law for Ondo State Educational Endowment Fund Amendment Law. A bill for a law to regulate rearing and grazing of livestock otherwise known as the Anti-Grazing Law. And of course the Annual Appropriation bill, and many more.
The Committee Chairman said, the House identified Anti-grazing law and Amotekun Corps law as the most challenging before the Assembly passed them.
Omole opined that “We have not done badly. As lawmakers representing our various Constituencies, we are duty bound to Carry out our statutory legislative activities which are, Lawmaking, Representation and Oversight functions.
“At this junction, I want to appreciate the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON for his various landmark achievements in the State using his political will and passion for development has no doubt contributed in no small measure to encourage us in recording and consummating all these goals.
“The Assembly Complex today is wearing a new look and we are proud that the total overhaul of the complex happened during our time.
“Lastly, as the 9th Assembly is gradually winding down, it is our hope that the 10th Assembly will take it further from where we stop and continue to make the Sun to shine,” Omole said.