The Legislators at the Lagos State House of Assembly have been cautioned not to project their images in the present bad shadow of members of the National Assembly.
This was contained in a statement by the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative), Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Assembly on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
According to Comrade Buna Isiak explanation
“A legislature that is alive to its primary roles and constitutional responsibilities is a symbol of hope, a shield and a voice for the people. Legislative duty is marked by robust debates, strict commitment to checks and balances, with transparency and accountability to the people. This ultimately confers legitimacy on the government because governance is productive and the citizens are fulfilled.
“The recent attitude of the 10th National Assembly to have jettisoned the opinions and strong protest of the electorate against the choice of buying expensive foreign vehicles is unconstitutional and insensitive. This is despite the tough economic situation Nigerians are grappling with”.
Comrade Buna in a separate interview has described the National Lawmakers as lawless and unfit to claim representative of the people.
“Section 84 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution as amended, confires on the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) the task to determine the salaries and allowances of public officials, including members of the National Assembly.
“The members of the National Assembly have abused their access to public treasury. This attitude is at strong variance with the recommendation of RMFAC and this is lawlessness and reckless. Nigerians are not happy with them and the suffering masses would seize every lawful opportunity to take them up for accountability”.
Honourable Abiodun Orekoya, representing Somolu Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, in his response assured the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda HURMA, of good representation and open door policy
“Please be assured that the Lagos State House of Assembly runs an open-door policy and we receive advice to improve the well-being of the people.
“Also know that our door is open to constructive criticism. This is indeed healthy for good democratic governance because it is meant to strengthen the government to improve its weaknesses if there are any. We want you to join hands with us to succeed in the interest of the state.”
Hon. Abiodun Orekoya appreciate the proposed plan of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda HURMA, to commence a public enlightenment program in his Constituency on the need for everyone to subscribe to the Lagos State Health Insurance Initiative (Ilera-Eko) which is meant to address the plights of indigent people in the society. He as well expressed his willingness to partake in the campaign with necessary support.
He thanked the leadership of HURMA for the effort so far invested towards ensuring the reality of upgrading Somolu General Hospital to a first class standard. He however assured that there are several steps already in place to ensure the kicking off of the project in the first quarter of year 2024.
HURMA Executive Director in his company at the courtesy visit to the Somolu Legislator were: HURMA Coordinator for Somolu Unit, Comrade Monsur Akinremi; Comrade Soji and Comrade Tosin.