By Gbenga Sodeinde
The five bills were considered at the first sitting of the House after the strike embarked upon by the legislative workers with the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Funminiyi Afuye presiding.
The Bills are, Ekiti State Joint Local Government and Allocation of Revenue (Amendment), 2021; Ekiti State Economic Development Council bill, 2021; and the Ekiti State Office of the Attorney- General Bill, 2021.
Others are Ekiti State Legislative Funds Management Bill, 2021 and a Bill for a law to ensure Food Security by Making provision for active participation of Political office holders and career officers in Agriculture and other related matters, 2021 sponsored by the Assembly Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu.
The State Legislative Funds Management bill is a prerequisite for the implementation of autonomy for the legislative arm of government across the country.
Also, the bill for active participation of Political office holders and career officers in Agriculture otherwise known as “own a farm project” aimed at ensuring food security in Ekiti State.
The five bills were introduced by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan and were read by the Clerk of the House, Mr Tola Esan.
At the plenary, the Lawmaker representing Moba II, Hon. Michael Arubu, under matter of public importance, officially called the attention of the House to the demise of a first class traditional ruler, Obaleo Of Erinmope land, Oba James Olaifa Aina, who joined his ancestors on the 5th of May, 2021.
He implored the House to commiserate with the family and the entire community of Erinmope Ekiti.
Also, Hon. Akin Oso, member representing Ido/Osi II, condemned the nefarious activities of men of the underworld who attacked an hotel in Ayetoro Ekiti on the 8th of June, 2021 and abducted 2 persons during the operation.
He called on the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Rt.Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, who welcomed the Lawmakers back to work after the industrial strike action of the Parliamentry Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), seeking for legislative autonomy for the legislature, commended both the government and the union for their mutual understanding towards achieving a common ground.