Oyo Assembly cancels 3rd anniversary celebrations over security concerns

The Oyo State House of Assembly has cancelled the elaborate activities lined up to mark its third anniversary, citing prevailing security concerns particularly in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso axis as reasons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that instead, the legislature reflected on its performance over the last three legislative years as a critical arm of government.

NAN reports that the 10th Assembly was inaugurated on June 14, 2023.

The speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, at plenary on Thursday, said that the decision of the state legislature was informed by the recent security challenges in the state and the need to show solidarity with affected areas and residents.

Ogundoyin said that the occasion would ordinarily have been marked with celebrations and public engagements, but that members resolved to focus attention on governance, legislative responsibilities and efforts geared towards addressing the security situation.

“Thirty-six bills have been passed into law, covering various sectors of governance and development.

“We passed 276 resolutions, which were transmitted to the executive arm and other relevant government institutions for implementation.

“The resolutions are being monitored through the oversight activities of various committees to ensure compliance and effectiveness,” he said.

Ogundoyin said that in efforts to strengthen governance and accountability, the Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Unit conducted inquiries into the implementation of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, as well as the Oyo State Security Agency Law, 2020.

He said that legislature organised a security summit as one of its notable interventions during the period under review.

“The summit was convened in response to persistent and recurring security challenges affecting parts of the state.

“We conducted nine public hearings on various bills under consideration, providing stakeholders, civil society groups and members of the public opportunities to contribute to the legislative process,” the speaker said.

Ogundoyin also reaffirmed the commitment of the legislative to law making, oversight and effective representation.

“The Assembly remains focused on delivering democratic dividends and supporting policies that promote peace, security and socio-economic development in Oyo State.

“We have since maintained that our activities are guided by the principles of accountability, transparency and people-oriented governance.

“I assure residents that we would continue to work closely with the executive arm of government and security agencies to address emerging challenges while pursuing legislative initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens,” he said.

(NAN)

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