Ojo Philip Writes To Osun Assembly, Charged Legislators To Serve The People | GOVERNMEND

Amb. Ojo Phillip who is notable for advocating for equality and transparency has charged legislators to demonstrate readiness to serve their different constituents.

In a long facebook post that has generated alot of reaction amongst young politicians in the state, Ojo Phillip wrote:

“Dear Speaker; Rt. (Hon) Adewale Egbedun,

SUGGESTING A BILL ON ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF ALL LEGISLATORS TO SUSTAIN DISCIPLINE”

I hope this open letter meet you well and in high spirits.

I am Amb. Ojo Phillip (AOP), the Young Progressives Party (YPP) Candidate for Osun State House of Assembly, Ifelodun Constituency in the last General Election.

Let me start by officially congratulating you and other members of the State Assembly, it gladdens my heart that the house is filled with eighty percents youths and the energy therein upon inauguration has been positive. The up-to-date activities report via social media has also been encouraging, this indeed attested to the power and strength of youth.

My aspiration in the last election was well taught of, i ran an issue-based campaign, went round my constituency to understand the challenges, well equipped and strongly prepared to make an unprecedented difference with my four points agenda:

1. Quality Representations
2. Attraction of Government presence
3. Emancipation and Human capital Development
4. State wide policy suggestions and formulations.

Despite the outcome of the election and in the best interest of our dear state, I have solidified my thoughts and willing to pass on some of the ideas I believed will be of tremendous benefits to the citizens of the State. One of such thoughts is as stated below:

Bill of Quality Representation & Accountability

As stated in Part 2; Section 104 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended);
“A House of Assembly shall sit for a period of not less than one hundred and eighty-one days in a year (181)”

This affirms the importance of the state house of assembly in the state, and as such active participation might be the first index of a productive house.

Therefore, i am suggesting a bill to ensure measures are put in place to get our Representatives responsible and accountable in the assignment they have voluntarily requested.

This shouldn’t be taken lightly as it is punishable under the law as stated in Section 109, Subsections 1f and 3 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended);

“A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if-
without just cause he is absent from meetings of the House of Assembly for a period amounting in the aggregate to more than one-third of the total number of days during which the House meets in any one year” (1f)

“A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if-
A member of a House of Assembly shall be deemed to be absent without just cause from a meeting of the House of Assembly unless the person presiding certifies in writing that he is satisfied that the absence of the member from the meeting was for a just cause.” (3)

Also, it is crucial that we collectively strive for an environment that upholds the principles of respect, order, professionalism and discipline. Recognizing the profound impact that discipline has on the effectiveness and reputation of our legislative body, I firmly believe that the following measures, if implemented, will foster a culture of discipline among all legislators:

1. Mandatory Attendance: All legislators should be required to attend sessions, committee meetings, and other legislative activities punctually and consistently, unless valid reasons for absence are presented. Absenteeism undermines the legislative process and hinders the proper functioning of our institution.
2. Decorum and Respect: Legislators must maintain a high level of decorum and respect during legislative proceedings and interactions with one another. Respectful discourse encourages productive debate and the exchange of ideas, fostering an environment conducive to effective lawmaking
3. Accountability and Consequences: Establishing a mechanism to hold legislators accountable for violations of discipline is vital. A disciplinary committee or an ethics committee could be formed to investigate complaints or allegations of misconduct and recommend appropriate consequences, such as censure, suspension, or expulsion.
4. Training and Education: Organizing periodic training sessions and workshops on legislative ethics, parliamentary procedures, and effective communication can enhance the awareness and understanding of discipline among legislators. Such initiatives can contribute to the development and growth of legislators as responsible and effective representatives.

Conclusively, I firmly believe that the participation of all legislators in sustaining discipline is essential for the smooth functioning and credibility of our legislative body. By implementing the measures outlined above, we can ensure that our institution remains a beacon of integrity and respect, serving the best interests of our constituents and upholding the democratic ideals we hold dear.

Also, for transparency and accountability, I suggest that the attendance of every session henceforth be available to the public by any means, this will enable us as citizens to be abreast of the performances of our Representatives to commend cum challenge them when and where necessary.

I wish you and other members of the house the very best sir.

Thank you for your attention, till i write” again suggesting motion or bill.”

The Speaker of the Osun state House of Assembly has responded and promised to take a critical look at the suggestions made by the Young Progressives Party’s chieftain

Source: Phillip Ojo