Kogi Speaker calls for synergy between Lawmakers, Commission members
By Idowu Aliyu
The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Umar Aliyu Yusuf has called for synergy between the Legislators and Members of Assembly Service Commission so as to strengthen the workings of the House towards good governance of the State.
He made the call during a familiarization visit of the Commission Members to the Rt Hon Speaker at the Speaker’s Lodge in Lokoja.
The Speaker who expressed delight over the visit promised to collaborate with them to improve the working condition of Staff to make them highly productive in their respective assignments.
Rt Hon. Umar Aliyu Yusuf emphasized the need for the Members of the Commission to continue to give their best in terms of service delivery so as to ensure that the dividends of democracy get to the door steps of the people of the State.
On the financial autonomy yet to be implemented by some States in the Country, the Speaker who said he was in the picture of the matter which is key to legislative progress, noted that about 80% of the implementation has been addressed and assured that the 20% aspect left will be actualized giving the support the issue was receiving from relevant authorities and other stakeholders.
He directed the Commission to avail his office with relevant memo geared towards improving the welfare of Staff, promising to forward same to the Governor for consideration.
The Speaker advised Members of the Commission to be guilded by the principle of equity and fairness in the appointment of Staff and principal Officers into key positions in the Assembly.
While thanking them for the visit, the Speaker said he was enriched with the familiarization visit and called for more of such meetings to strengthen the operations of the Commission and the Assembly.
Earlier, the Chairman, Kogi State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Malik Andas told the Speaker that they were on a familiarization visit to the Leadership of the House and Congratulated them on their successful election and inauguration.
Hon. Andas who briefed the Lawmakers of the workings of the Commission, disclosed that the last four years of the Commission have been eventful in the area of Staff promotion, discipline, appointments and attributed the non training, retraining of Staff to lack of funds which is one of the core responsibilities of the Commission.
He maintained that the Staff needed to be equipped to render special legislative duties which is supporting the lawmakers in the business of law making, but have not been able to actualise this for pausity of funds.
According to him, the Assembly and the Commission will do much better when the financial autonomy is implemented and enjoined him to use his good office to bring about the desired goals.
The Commission Chairman promised the lawmakers of necessary support and sharing of ideals that would promote harmonious working relationship and productivity.
In company of the Chairman were Hon. Bala Haruna, Hon. Andrew Arome Adaji, Hon. Ahmed Musa and the Commission Secretary, Comrade Joan Yemisi.
