By Regina Okoro.
The former Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Denis Agbo, has called for the establishment of an institute for legislative and democratic studies in Enugu.
Agbo stated this in an interview with newsmen in Enugu, saying, when established, the institute will improve the capacity of legislators to enhance good governance and development of the state.
Agbo said he wished to see responsible and proactive legislators who are independent and non-antagonistic to other arms of the government.
He hinted that he expected a House of Assembly that would conduct its business in Igbo language for one or two plenary days in a month.
He said this would engender community and citizens’ participation in the business of law making in the state.
Agbo suggested that the speaker should be provided with an official residence, just like is done for the governor, deputy governor and chief Judge of the state.
He noted that the official residence should not be subjected to monetisation of any form.
The former lawmaker said the citizens of Enugu state should be made to hold their representatives accountable, noting that lawmakers are expected to hold interactive meetings with their constituents.
He reiterated that such a meeting should be televised for all to see and assess the performance of the legislator in question.
“I wish to see a harmonious assembly devoid of bickering, especially now that their composition is coming from two political parties — the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) — unlike what it has always been since 2003,’’ Agbo said.
A legal practitioner, Mr Jude Aneke, said that much is expected from the soon-to-be-inaugurated 8th assembly because of the failure of the 7th assembly to speak for the people.
Aneke said he expected to see an assembly that would not be a rubber-stamp or errand boys to the executive.
He added that he expected to see an assembly that would do their jobs without waiting for anybody to direct or tele-guide them.
“As you know that the 8th assembly is dominated by Labour Party members, I hope to see a robust assembly that will not be only yes, as witnessed in the 6th and 7th assemblies.
“I expect to see an assembly that will scrutinise the activities and spending of the executive through oversight functions,” he said.
