Legislature, The Heartbeat Of Democracy – Speaker

By Israel Afolabi

Speaker of the state of Osun House of Assembly, Hon Najeem Salaam has disclosed that the legislature is the heartbeat of democratic governance.

Salaam made the remark while addressing Political Science students of the State College of Education, Ila-Orangun who were on excursion to the Assembly complex Osogbo.

He described the legislative arm of government as important as a head in the body.

According to him, “The parliament is the only organ saddled with the responsibility of making laws for the peace and progress of the society.

He also used the forum to lecture the students who were watching the House proceedings on its standing rules and regulations, the various standing committees and their functions.

He educated the students on the process through which a bill becomes a law.

While stating that the society is looking up to the youths as future leaders, he urged them to shun any act that could be inimical to their chosen career.

In another development, the speaker assured people with special needs that the House would offer necessary support to enhance their welfare.

He stated this while hosting the Association of people with Special Needs at his office complex Osogbo.

Reacting to the submissions of the body through its spokesman, he enumerated measures taken by the present administration to ensure better living conditions for them in the State.

He however, asked them to bring forth their request to the larger assembly so that the House can look at it holistically.

President of the Association in the South-West, Mr Kehinde Onitiju had requested for more support in terms of law enactment so as to better the living condition of people with special needs.

According to him, “We have a pending bill on disability with the House since 2009 which will add meaning to our life, we appeal to the House to pass it. We want the House to enact laws which will give us the same benefits with our sister states”, he added.

Mr Onitiju who had acknowledged the priority accorded them by the present administration appreciated the gesture just as he requested for more attention in terms of legislation.

In his comments, the president of Network of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the state, Mr Ibrahim Olayinka urged the House to accelerate the process of the bill.

According to him, “The bill is for better convenience of people with disability”.