Ekiti State House of Assembly rejects rubber stamp allegations, emphasizing commitment to development and strong legislative oversight
The Ekiti State House of Assembly independence was strongly defended on Monday as lawmakers rejected claims that the legislature acts as a rubber stamp for the executive.
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The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Babatunde Oke, condemned remarks by APC governorship aspirant Kayode Ojo, who branded the Assembly as an extension of the executive arm.
Oke described such allegations as politically naive and a misunderstanding of governance.
“We were elected primarily to ensure development, not to engage in public quarrels with the governor for cheap political gains,” Oke said.
He emphasized that the Assembly, made up of experienced technocrats and politicians, maintains independence while cooperating with the executive to deliver democracy dividends and good governance to the people of Ekiti State.
Oke highlighted the legislature’s achievements, noting that over 30 bills had been passed in the last two years, with 24 signed into law and operational.
The Assembly has also fulfilled its oversight duties by regularly summoning commissioners and local government chairmen to account for their stewardship.
“We have an administrative channel to manage any friction and ensure smooth governance,” Oke added.
The lawmakers also noted that they successfully advocated for the reinstatement of some previously sacked workers, demonstrating their active role beyond mere approval of executive decisions.
Oke attributed the allegations to Ojo’s lack of understanding of the separation of powers doctrine, a foundational principle in governance.
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The Assembly reiterated its commitment to the 1999 Constitution, standing orders, and the constituents’ trust, vowing to continue engaging constructively with the executive to foster development in key sectors such as the economy, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.
