Following the controversy that trailed the reported petition against the Speaker, Oyo state House of Assembly by some first time lawmakers in the 10th Assembly, Rt. Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin has said contrary to widely speculated reports, nobody will be sanctioned.
Ogundoyin while dispelling speculations on the activities of the House regarding the aggrieved lawmakers under his leadership said, all lawmakers have the rights to voice out their displeasure on perceived injustice.
He noted that no single constituent should be punished for an offense committed by one individual stressing the need to place the interest of the state above all personal interest.
The Speaker stated this today June 27, during the plenary sitting of the House.
Consequently, the Speaker dissolved and reconstituted some House committees for efficiency and effectiveness in the legislative business.
Recall that some first time lawmakers of the 10th House of Assembly reportedly petitioned governor Seyi Makinde over what was described as sidelining them from the scheme of things.
Speaking, Ogundoyin said, contrary to speculations, the house will not be distracted by what was termed spurious and baseless allegations in the media calling for unity and cohesion among lawmakers.
He appealed to lawmakers to desist from sponsoring unfounded and malicious publications in the news in the interest of the state and the constituencies they all represents.
Read full speech:
OUR CONSTITUENTS FIRST
A SHORT ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE SPEAKER, OYO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HON. ADEBO OGUNDOYIN AT PLENARY ON THURSDAY, 25TH JUNE, 2024.
Dear esteemed Honorable colleagues, I stand before you today to address the events of the past week or so, which have been marked by unnecessary tension and division. Some members have chosen to portray themselves as a unity or dissident group, and in doing so, have created a seemingly toxic atmosphere in this House.Their actions have put us in a bad light and have presented the so-called aggrieved members as being out of touch with the priorities of our constituents. Let me remind you all that we have come to this House to serve and represent our people, not to pursue personal interests or agendas.
We have a sacred responsibility to work together for the betterment of Oyo State and its citizens. We must not allow petty squabbles and selfish ambitions to derail us from our noble mission
It has equally come to my attention that we have concluded plans to suspend the so called erring members of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly, and I want to assure you that this is not true.
We are elected to serve our constituents, and we must prioritize their needs above our own interests. Suspending any member would only create a vacuum that would make our electorates suffer, and we cannot allow that to happen.
I urge my fellow lawmakers to avoid sponsoring false news and casting aspersions on the leadership of the House. We must work together and avoid bickering and unfounded rumors. This House will not be distracted from its constitutional responsibilities and duties.
We need to focus on the task at hand and work in unison to deliver on our promises to the people of Oyo State. We cannot allow personal interests to derail us from our duties. It is not business as usual, and we must rise above petty politics to serve our constituents with integrity and dedication. Let us put our constituents first and work together to build a better Oyo State for all.
Every lawmaker has the right to express themselves, to share their thoughts and opinions, and to represent their constituents interests. However, we must also be mindful of the sensitivity of our words and actions. We must be aware of the impact our statements can have on our colleagues, on our constituents and on the stability of this House. We must avoid spreading falsehood or misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension and conflict. We must work together, even in the face of disagreement in order to achieve greater things. Let me say here that, no member(s) will be victimised or deprived their rights and entitlements as duly elected members of this honourable Assembly.
Finally, as we discharge our duties as lawmakers, we must recognise the need for harmony and collaboration between the Legislature and all other arms of Government. Let us avoid issues that could pitch the State Executive against the Legislature, and be wary of the antics of external influences whose major aim is to cause disunity and destabilise the House.
The Media is a powerful tool for good or bad hence we must be careful not to use it to spread falsehood or fuel division. Instead, let us use it to inform, educate and enlighten our constituents on the good work that we are doing.
Thank you all immensely.
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin
Speaker, OYHA.