…..As former Federal lawmaker Kolawole advocates Strong, Reliable Parliament for Good Governance
By: Tolulope Oluwole
A former member of the House of Representatives from Akoko South East/South West federal constituency of Ondo State, Hon. Babtunde Kolawole has declared that for more good governance to take place in the country, there must be a strong and reliable legislature, which is independent, objective, and enjoys the full support of the electorate.
Kolawole, who is also the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Community Development, made the declaration in Akure while delivering a lecture at a Summit organized by National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) Legislative Arm held on Saturday.
This is just as the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) on Saturday July 15, 2023 conferred on Hon Kolawole the “Ondo State Youth Mentorship And Leadership Award”
Speaking on the theme of the NAOSS Legislative Summit, “A Vibrant Legislature As Panacea to strengthening Democracy in Nigeria”, the former Federal Lawmaker stated that the legislative arm of government which is in charge of law making, must be independent and vibrant to serve the people effectively.
He noted that the legislature also makes the laws, that define the rights and the obligations of the people and of the various arms of government, as well as rules of conduct of various actions and functions affecting the wellbeing of the collective good of the society.
“The legislature is an assemblage of the representatives of the people elected under a legal framework to make laws for the good of the society. It is also defined as “the institutional body”.
“The legislature is perhaps the most important organ of government in the sense that no society can exist without law. The Legislature’s main function is law-making for the peace, order and good governance of the people”.
“In a natural resource context, governance is used to refer to the body of formal and informal policies, and the arrangements developed between relevant stakeholders, to manage and to make decisions about a particular resource.”
“Governance provides the framework by which groups, such as communities, define their interests, rights, responsibilities and the ways in which they will interact with each other and with institutions of authority to manage a particular resource.
“Good governance is not about making ‘correct’ decisions, but about the best possible process of making decisions for the overall interest of the people. Good decision-making process and good governance share several characteristics: They all have a positive effect on various aspects of the government including consultations with the people, policies that are people-oriented, and programmes that provide the platform for developing society.
“There are many issues which made the practice of democracy in Nigeria skewed and also disallow effective legislation; these anomalies which range from godfatherism, immunity enjoyed by the President and the Governors, the winners-take-it-all syndrome, excessive control and domination of political parties by leaders, electoral malpractices, money politics, use of thuggery in election, rigging of election to weak institutions. These have overtime discouraged general participation in politics by the citizenry”.
“Achieving good governance requires the existence of a strong, effective and efficient parliament. This is so because parliament plays a crucial role in gauging, collating and presenting the views and needs of the people, articulating their expectations and aspirations in determining the national development agenda.
“A vibrant legislature is more or less the propelling force to engendering democracy and good governance. The commitment and selflessness of law makers is crucial for any government to achieve the desired change.
“Parliamentarians are expected to be the voice of the voiceless in the society, they are supposed to be the mouth piece of the people and the bedrock of development. For the legislature in Nigeria to perform optimally and satisfactorily party constraints which are impediments must be eradicated”.
“It is imperative that legislators must be daring to speak on matters that will engender all-round development and advancement of democracy regardless of the thinking of some myopic elements who want the status quo that has held us stagnant as a nation to remain. This is my charge to you all who are our future leaders”, Hon Kolawole said.
While conferring the Award on the Governors Aide, the Global President of NAOSS, Mary Ogunga and the Senate President of NAOSS, Oyelade Ahmed commended the doeggedness of Hon Babatunde Kolawole popularly known as “Ameachi” in defending the interest of students and youths in the state and in the country at large.
The Students’ Leaders urged Hon Kolawole to let the honour “Ondo State Youth Mentorship And Leadership Award”, to spur to do more for young generation.
Responding to the Award, Hon Kolawole who expressed appreciation to the Students’ Body for the award, dedicated the honour to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and members of his Cabinet for the opportunity to serve the people.
The Special Adviser promised not to disappoint NAOSS by doing more for students’ wellbeing.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Global president of NAOSS, Mary Ogunga noted that the activities of the association involves promoting, initiating and facilitating programs and projects for the professional growth of the students.
Ogunga appreciated the governor of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the peaceful atmosphere the people of the state are enjoying as a result of the efforts to establish the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps.
She also appreciated him for approving the sum of 200 million as busary and scholarship for Ondo State students in tertiary institutions.
While soliciting more support from the members of the association, she promised more progress in the association.
The Senate President of NAOSS, Oyelade Ahmed stated that the association had recorded tremendous achievements during the tenure of the current leadership.
He urged the association to continue to support the Global President’s dreams and aspirations for Ondo State students.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Rotimi Abitogun, representing Akure South constituency 2 at the Ondo State House of Assembly, commended the NAOSS president, as well as other members of the executive for their commitment towards the growth and progress of the association.
He advised the students to embrace peace and unity and shun any form of discord as they are the future leaders.
The Deji of Akure and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, who was represented by High Chief Folorunso advised the students to take the summit lessons seriously as they will learn a lot and have what it takes to be future leaders, defend their entities and perform effectively.
The event which took place in Akure, the state capital, featured launching of NAOSS new constitution and incentives, award presentation to some other eminent Nigerians including Hon. Babatunde Kolawole and a Senior Journalist, Ayodeji Moradeyo of TVC news, while the SSA to the Governor on Students & Youths Affairs, Hon Muyiwa Ogunyemi was among the top guests at the event.
