The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Nigerian governors to regard state legislatures as partners in progress rather than mere extensions of the executive.
The House appealed on Tuesday in a plenary session, emphasizing the legislature’s role as the bedrock of democracy and urged the National Assembly to criminalize actions that compromise parliamentary independence.
These resolutions were passed to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Parliamentarism, celebrated on June 30.
The House also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to acknowledge the contributions of past speakers of the Lagos Assembly to the state’s development.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa highlighted the importance of recognizing former speakers who have significantly contributed to the state’s progress.
“Without the parliament, there is no democracy,” Obasa stated, emphasizing the legislature’s crucial role in governance through lawmaking, motions, and resolutions.
He described the International Day of Parliamentarism as an opportunity to highlight the legislature’s importance to Nigerians.
Congratulating parliamentarians nationwide for their contributions to national development, the Speaker remarked, “A government has three arms, and if one is missing, there is no government.”
Reflecting on the Assembly’s history since its establishment in 1979 under the administration of former Governor Lateef Jakande, Obasa noted the lack of recognition for past speakers.
He urged the National Assembly to ensure state legislatures can fully exercise their constitutional roles and called on governors to empower parliaments to perform their duties effectively.
In separate remarks, other lawmakers like Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu of Eti-Osa constituency 2, Hon. Desmond Elliot of Surulere, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh echoed the call to celebrate the parliament’s role.
They stated that democracy is centered around the parliament, which serves as a bridge between the people and the government, emphasizing the parliament’s integral role in state affairs
A divergent opinion was however raised by Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, who suggested that the House consider joining the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which was established in 1889, is a global organization of national parliaments, formed to promote democracy, peace, and cooperation among parliaments worldwide.
