Executive, legislature relationship in Bayelsa cordial, says Diri

By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said he enjoys a cordial and collaborative relationship with the legislature.

Diri spoke on Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State, when he opened a three-day special retreat for lawmakers. The retreat was themed ‘Building capacity for an impactful legislature’.

He urged members of the sixth House of Assembly to focus on the training to enhance their legislative duties and foster better working relationship among the three arms of government.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, urged the lawmakers not to see the retreat as a tea party, but an exercise to help them perform effectively.

He said: “The executive, legislature and judicial arms of government are one and the same. Although we accede to the principle of separation of powers, the three arms of government are like a machine. If one part is sick, others are affected. So we must lubricate all parts to ensure that the machine remains functional at all times.

“Since assuming office, the assembly has functioned as a separate arm of government, performing its checks and balances. The relationship between both arms of government has been very cordial and collaborative. The best interest of our state has been paramount in our relationship and it continues to be so.”

Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere assured Diri that the House would optimise the opportunity of the retreat and bring the knowledge acquired to bear on their legislative business.