By Ola Sokunbi, Abeokuta
Local Government Chairmen in Ogun State have been tasked to strengthen mutual interdependence with political functionaries, especially members of the State’s House of Assembly, for improved service delivery at the grassroot.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, gave the charge during an interactive session with the Chairmen and Heads of Local Government Administrations at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Oluomo harped on the need for a robust relationship between the local government administration and the legislation which he said was essential for the advancement of socio-economic development of 20 Local Government Area in the State.
He added that the synergy would assist in improving their performances and leadership capacity.
He intimated the chairmen that plans were underway to enact a legislation, targeted at establishing and sustaining a common understanding between them and the lawmakers, with policies for proper utilisation of funds and implementation of laudable projects for the people.
“The nation’s constitution clearly spelt out the roles, relationship and duties of both LG helmsmen and State legislators. I want to challenge the to ensure improved administrative guidance to the political office holders at the grassroot level, towards a seamless administration of resources and personnel,” Oluomo added.
The Speaker pointed out that the Assembly was empowered to check the financial records of the councils at intervals, through its oversight function for proper accountability.
In their remarks, the Chairmen of Odeda, Ado-Odo/Ota and Odogbolu LGAs, Mrs. Folashade Adeyemo, Mr. Sheriff Adewale and Mr. Adebayo Ladejobi respectively, appreciated the lawmakers for the engagement, assuring that they would sustain the existing relationship with the Assembly, to further improve on the lives of the people in their respective areas.
Speaking on behalf of the HOLGAs, Mr. Tajudeen Olusesi stated that the meeting would guide both the political functionaries and membee of staff of the council to function effectively in the discharge of their duties.
Meanwhile, Speaker Oluomo has called on the Assembly’s House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, as well as Lands and Housing, to link up with the relevant agencies of government in-charge of the ongoing reconstruction of school buildings at Yewa North Local Government Primary School, Ibeku and Community Primary School, Igbonla in Ijoun, to speed up work on the projects to allow the pupils have smooth academic season.
Oluomo made the call while responding to the submission of a lawmaker representing Yewa North 2 State constituency, Wahab Haruna, while speaking under personal explanation during a plenary at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, reported that the contractors handling the construction had stopped work on the projects.
The Speaker also enjoined the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to begin massive road reconstruction and rehabilitation where necessary, in all parts of the State, immediately the rain subsided.
Earlier, Hon. Haruna had sought for the intervention of the Speaker to enable pupils of the affected schools to enjoy better learning conditions, as there is no classroom for them to continue their academic activities, urging the Assembly to prevail on the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to rehabilitate roads in his constituency.
