The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun says the principles of separation of power and the existing cordial relationship between the executive arm of government and the legislature is to promote a culture of sustainable social-economic growth and development for Edo citizens and not to short-change them.
Rt.Hon.Onobun made the disclosure when he received members of media executives in the State who were in his office in Benin City for a courtesy visit.
He stated that the House was not unaware of the principles of separation of powers and would not under any guise betray the mandate given to them by the people of the State.
The Speaker stated that the present 7th assembly had passed 41 Bills out of the 50 executive Bills forwarded for consideration and passage and 36 of the Bills had been assented to.
Citing some of the people-oriented Bills passed, he explained further that the Bills were tailored to address the needs of the electorate following due diligence to ensure smooth implementation.
He clarified that the House had been sitting at the newly renovated assembly complex at King’s Square and assured that the interest of Edo people would not be betrayed at any point in time for any reason.
He said: “Even though we have very good working relationship with the executive, It is not to the extent that will instigate the shortchanging of Edo people.
“Even if we are sitting in the same living room with the executive, we understand the mandate that has been freely given to us by Edo people; and such trust will not be betrayed under any circumstance.” He added.
Rt Hon. Onobun who remarked that the House was doing due diligence to all the Bills, said that the Bill that was passed few minutes ago had been with them for over one year to enable them to dot the i’s and cross the t’s in the interest of the electorate.
He however noted with dismay that activities of the House were under reported and sued for cooperation of the media executives for a wider publicity.
Earlier, chairman of Edo Media Executives, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Salihu appreciated the good work the House was doing for passing people-oriented Bills especially the electricity Bill aimed at ensuring the provision of steady power supply to people of Edo State.
She then called for periodic media chats with the speaker to keep the people of the State abreast of the activities of the House.
In the same vein, Head of AIT/Ray Power Benin Station, Bisi Akpaida emphasized the need for weekly programmes to keep the electorate up to date with all the deliberations and activities at plenary.
Also speaking, former NUJ chairman, Edo Council, Mr Ralph Okhiria said he was impressed with the achievements of the 7th assembly and observed that without collaboration between the legislature and the executive arm of government no meaningful development could take place in the State.