Tuesday, November 10, the Lagos State House of Assembly introduced an innovation to the business of legislation in the history of Nigerian politics. Constituents of the 40 state constituencies in Lagos State witnessed, for the first time, one-on-one interaction with their representatives; and were able to tell them what they wanted from the state government. This aimed at engendering rapid development of the rural areas and to avoid embarking on projects that have no direct significance to the well-being of the people.
Across the length and breadth of Lagos, halls, open spaces and car parks were filled to capacity as members of the Lagos State House of Assembly met their constituents for the first–ever constituency stakeholders’ meeting.
Stakeholders, including those who never believed in the project, arrived at the different venues before the agreed time of 10:00 a.m. They were curious to know what the lawmakers would tell them.
The Assembly had widely publicised the programme days before, detailing the venues across the 40 constituencies and other vital information.
In June, the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa had, in his inaugural speech, assured Lagosians that the Assembly would involve the people in their activities. Obasa had assured them that their inputs would form part of 2016 Budget.
From Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Island, Kosofe, Surulere and others, Lagosians trooped out in their numbers to be counted.
In Agege where Obasa met his people, every available space was occupied. The crowd was huge so much so that security agents found it taxing controlling it.
Obas, chiefs, various unions, traders, Community Development Associations (CDAs), youths, market men and women all had one thing or the other to say.
Obasa, in a welcome address, told stakeholders that the concept of the meeting was unique as it was first of its kind in the nation’s history.
He said: “We are collaborating with our constituencies to ensure that the impact of government is felt at all levels and to bolster rapid socio-economic projects, control of traffic, implementation of traffic laws, security and maintenance of law and order.”
According to him, the intention was to oil the wheel of the social contract which the Assembly has with the people.
He said the state House of Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the state “by virtue of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” (as amended).
He stressed that this could be better appreciated against the backdrop of the fact that the Assembly performs other functions including oversight, checks and balances on the Executive and Judicial arms of government.
According to Obasa, Agege will soon be the beneficiary of a flyover bridge at Pen Cinema area of the constituency.
The people were joyous over this piece of news from their representative because Pen Cinema area records notorious traffic on daily basis.
On the Island, the scenario was similar as the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun told stakeholders that the Assembly was eager to know the desire of the people for onward transmission to the Executive for implementation.
The lawmaker was accompanied by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and the Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Tajuden Olusi. Oba Akiolu commended the Assembly for giving the people a voice through the initiative.
Olusi, a veteran politician and leader of the APC in the Lagos Central Senatorial District corroborated his view. He called for more of such rapport between the Assembly and the people.
At Lagos Mainland, Hon. Oladele Adekanye (aka) Lado interacted with his constituents on their expectations. He commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for embarking on the construction of over 100 roads across the state.
The lawmaker assured the people of the sincerity of the Obasa-led Assembly on the project.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to quickly fix the power sector to ensure Nigerians are gainfully engaged.
For former NBA chief, Mr. Monday Ubani, the Lagos State House of Assembly deserved praises in view of the timeliness, concept and style of the stakeholders’ meeting.
He said: “I want to commend the Lagos Assembly for holding this exercise. All we are asking for at UNILAG Estate, Isheri Magodo is road construction and provision of street lights.”
Speaking on the exercise, a rights activist, Mr. Michael Okezie said the Assembly has blazed the trail in participatory democracy.
“I want to commend the lawmakers for the initiative because most of the time, we don’t have this kind of opportunity to talk to our representatives.
“That the lawmakers decided to do this on their own is a clear departure from the past. I, therefore, commend them and hope that other state legislatures will toe the same line for the benefit of the people.
Reacting to the exercise, spokesman of the Assembly, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who spoke at the Local Government Health Centre Hall Mascara, Ketu introduced a unique dimension to the meetings as everybody present was handed a form to fill their expectations from government, even as two senior members of staff of the Assembly also documented the people’s requests.
The innovation, perhaps, made the event the faster to end, even as Oba of Ketu, Oba Isiaka Balogun, APC leader in Kosofe, Chief Stephen Oyedele, former chairman, Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Monday Ubani, market leaders and others praised the quality representation Hon. Braimoh is providing the people.
They also praised the Assembly for bringing about participatory democracy by networking with those who voted them into office. The scenario was equally the same across other constituencies. Stakeholders across the 40 constituencies requested for schools and roads.
