The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar, has called for greater public appreciation of the critical role of the legislatures in driving development, noting that many government projects and programmes are only possible because lawmakers approve and appropriate the funds required for their execution.
The Speaker made the call during the third anniversary celebration of the 8th Kogi State House of Assembly held in Lokoja on Thursday.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yabagi Mohammed, Umar said development initiatives undertaken by the executive arm of government are products of collaboration among institutions of government , stressing that the public must better understand the legislature’s indispensable role in the process of governance.
He noted that roads, schools, hospitals, employment programmes, social intervention schemes and other development projects across the state were made possible through the Assembly’s scrutiny, approval and appropriation of public funds.
“Every road constructed, every hospital upgraded, every school established, every teacher recruited, every examination fee paid, every social intervention implemented and every development project executed was made possible because the people’s representatives sitting in this Assembly scrutinized, approved and appropriated public funds for those purposes,” he said.
The Speaker emphasized that while governors and other members of the executive council deserve commendation for implementing projects and programmes, lawmakers also play a constitutional role in authorizing expenditure and providing the legal framework necessary for government initiatives.
“Therefore, while the Executive deserves recognition for implementing projects and programmes, the people must also appreciate the critical role played by their elected representatives who approve the resources and provide legislative backing for those initiatives,” he added.
Highlighting the achievements of the 8th Assembly, the Speaker disclosed that the House considered 23 bills during its third legislative session, out of which 19 were successfully passed into law.
Umar further revealed that since its inauguration three years ago, the Assembly has processed a total of 76 bills, passing 59 while 17 remain at various stages of legislative consideration.
He described the figures as evidence of a productive and focused legislature committed to effective lawmaking, oversight and good governance.
He also commended the cordial working relationship between the legislature and the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing the partnership as productive and beneficial to the state’s development.
According to him, the cooperation between both arms of government has accelerated development and strengthened democratic governance across Kogi State.
Rt. Hon. Umar also paid tribute to former Governor Yahaya Bello, whom he described as a leader dedicated to the unity, stability and development of the state.
As the Assembly begins another legislative year, he urged lawmakers to remain committed to accountability, transparency and effective representation of their constituents.
The Speaker assured that the legislature would continue to work closely with the executive arm, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to advance the development agenda of the Kogi state government and improve the welfare of its citizens.
