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| Tunde Braimoh |
There has always been the judiciary, even before 1960. But when the military intervened in our political process, the legislature was short changed because for the government to function well at that time, they have co-opted local politicians, but never for once put a civilian in the councils of government, the military and established executive and legislative powers combined. The Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council of the Governing Council, whatever name you call it, the legislature appropriated the powers to issue decrees. But the legislature is very important because it is the only weapon that the government can control voluntarily the excesses of other arms of government, particularly the executive branch. The legislature truly represents the people. People must be seen as participating in the government's management, because the absolute power corrupts absolutely, that's why the Constitution provides a steering arm to control the other. And all you need for the legislature to be independence must be something that citizens must encourage. The truth must be said, without being biased, whatever will make the legislature more entrenched, the more established more autonomous should be encouraged from citizenship. Citizens should not expect the government to trample the legislature; the legislature is there to act as a check and balances on the executive. And in a situation in which the executive is entitled to something and the legislature must be induced before performing his functions or give up its functions does not augur well for the people. So, if the President of the Assembly Chamber is immune from induction, manipulation of the executive power, the better for citizens. The bill will go through a public hearing, we are not going to shorten it, people are still coming to share their perspectives. If you do not want it, they can kill him at that stage. But let me tell you the reason for the House is taking this position. And 'to put the legislature on the same pedestal with other government arms without making it look less legislature or irrelevant. Both President being confident, independent, free from hunger, hate, want. And 'how to give a man a job of collecting revenues and did that person comfortable. If you do not want the man to be compromised, it should be at ease with himself; otherwise you can start spending the money at the expense of citizens. As far as possible, the legislature must be seen to be assertive and determined. This is why the Lagos State House of Assembly has marked first with the National Assembly over the financial autonomy. Lagos State House of Assembly has no need to go cap in hand to the governor bottom. Other state assemblies have the courage and temerity to do so. We do not need to delay the budget here; which is one of the reasons why the administration is smoother here because everyone knows his place, duties, rights and privileges. But where you need to go cap in hand to the bottom it would not be respected. So whatever we are going to do to eliminate this we will do. The Constitution is there; what we are doing is not out of the blues. There are constitutional principles derivable from the separation of power principles. In any case, the executive has not made the law to have the benefit of the legislator has done for them. So, what is good for one is good for everyone if you do not want to weaken the other. We tried the opinion of the members and appear to be in tandem with the bill after the first reading. Most of the members are in favor. The number of years will play an important role here. For example, if a speaker spent a year and the other spent four years it will not be the same arrangement. More importantly, the government is trying to appreciate the public office holders service. 2017 budget passage on budget, our Lagosians masters can not be short-changed. Lagosians not deny what is due to them; we do not want to roll to the next year considering the recession in the country. So whatever we can do to cushion the effect of the recession, we will make Lagosians, but also not to compromise or in any way compromise the ultimate benefit for all. As an ongoing partner with the executive, that does not mean that we are not going to scrutinize the budget for every detail. We expect that the projects and programs of the traditional people-oriented in the budget, but that does not mean we should close our eyes to the details, because no person has the bastion of knowledge. There are about 70 pages of the budget proposal; if this should go out of control and regulation, it means that we have not done anything and we are not assembly rubber stamp. If there is some gray area, we take them (executive) on it. We are elected by the people and we are accountable to them.
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