Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday inaugurated the 8th State House of Assembly with a call on the lawmakers to join hands with the Executive arm of government to drive policies of development in the state.
The Governor who spoke at the brief but impressive occasion held at the new Chambers of the House, urged the members to brace up for the task ahead and strive to maintain the standard set by the outgoing 7th Assembly.
“Distinguished members, as we commence a new dispensation, it is important to note that we have a great task ahead.
“A great task, not only in the complexities of Governance, but in sustaining the high standard that has been set by both the immediate past legislative and executive arm of government. As you settle down to commence your legislative duties, I seek your support”, the Governor said.
Governor Ambode also assured that all policies of his administration will seek the approval of the House, just as he promised to respect their views and opinions irrespectively of the party that they represent.
“While we must recognise the principle of separation of powers, a cornerstone of the presidential system of government, it is significant to also recognise the imperatives of interdependence among the three arms of government.
“We shall have our moments of deferring opinion and views, however, when such occur, it must always be resolved quickly and in the best interest of our people,” he said.
He also reminded the lawmakers of the need for them to put Lagosians at the centre of all their actions, stressing that while the opinion of the people must count in all their decisions.
Governor Ambode also stressed the need for the lawmakers to maintain close relationship with their constituencies adding that it was the only way their aspirations can be gauged and harmonised into laws and policies.
The Governor also said, “I intend to take advantage of this opportunity and also engage the federal Government on very pertinent issues that have valuable interests to the ordinary people of Lagos state.
“Dear members, our time is already counting, we need to get down to work and give our people the very best service we can offer. The people of Lagos deserve no less.
“Finally, in line with the provision with Section 105, Subsection 3 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended in 2010, I have issued and handed over to the Clerk of the House of Assembly, a proclamation for the commencement for the Eight Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly on this 8thDay June, 2015”.
Earlier, the Clerk of the House, Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, in his address, charged the members- elect to work hard to secure a better life for the average citizen of Lagos while not compromising the interest of the people for pecuniary gains or benefits.
He said they must consciously and diligently work hard to secure a better life and greater opportunities for the people through viable, pragmatic laws and other legislative instruments that would ensure visible social, economic and infrastructural transformation in all the 40 Constituencies of the state.
Meanwhile, Ambode has congratulated Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa representing Agege 1 Constituency on his emergence as the Speaker of the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode described Hon Obasa as a well experienced legislator and administrator who would bring his wealth of experience to bear in steering the ship of the House.
The Governor also commended the members of the House for the smooth and rancor free manner they conducted the election to choose their leaders which has once again confirmed the rating of the House as the most vibrant Legislature in the Federation.
The Governor said he looks forward to a very harmonious and engaging mutual relationship between the Executive and the Legislature during the tenure of the new Speaker towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the State.
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