Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has urged the newly-inaugurated House of Assembly members to prioritise the interest of the people of the state in the discharge of their duties.
Oyebanji, who stated this on Wednesday when he received the lawmakers in his office in Ado-Ekiti, said they should see their new assignment as service to the people who elected them as their representatives.
He reiterated his administration’s readiness to work harmoniously with the legislators in the overall interest of the people, adding that the state could only develop when there was synergy between the executive and legislative arms.
The governor said that the list of his commissioner-nominees would soon be forwarded to the assembly for screening and confirmation.
He, however, urged the lawmakers to ensure thorough screening of the commissioner-nominees, stressing that asking them to “take a bow and go” would not bring out the best from the exercise.
Oyebanji, who noted that legislature was critical to the ability of any government to deliver on its promises, advised the lawmakers to discharge their duties without fear, favour or interference.
He also urged them to avoid unnecessary disputes that could affect their legislative assignments.
“I have listened to Mr Speaker and I agree with you that this is one government. I share your legislative agenda of responsive and responsible legislature and that speaks to our own mantra of shared prosperity.
“This is one government and graciously, we are all Ekiti and our people brought us here for a purpose and for that purpose to be achieved, we just have to work together in the interest of the people.
“I am not unmindful of the fact that there could be moment of strains and stresses, and that is the beauty of democracy.
“It is not every time that we are going to agree like this and the beauty of democracy is in the period of strains and stresses.
“If it offers a platform for discussion, we will still come back like this; we will argue; we will shout and we will resolve.
“The assurance I can give to you from the executive council that I lead is our readiness to partner with you and give you necessary support without impinging on your freedom.
“We will give absolute respect to the legislature as a different arm of government,” the governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, said the meeting was aimed at familiarising themselves with the governor and members of the State Executive Council.
Aribasoye said that the meeting was also to inform the governor of their readiness to collaborate with the executive arm of government.
He assured the governor that the 7th assembly was fully prepared to have a responsive and responsible legislature in order to keep the state working toward shared prosperity. (NAN)
