The National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, has commended the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, OYHSC, over its preparation for the take off of financial autonomy.
This commendation was made on Monday by a delegation of National Assembly Service Commission led by the Commissioner representing South West, Honorable Akeem Akamo in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Akamo who was speaking during a meeting with both Oyo House of Assembly Service Commission and Management Staff of the Oyo House of Assembly said of all the state visited, Oyo House of Assembly Commission is above all other states in readiness for the financial automy being clamored for.
He explained that the visit became necessary to enlighten the state and politicians on the need to empower the States’ Houses of Assembly Service Commission to perform its constitutional functions independently and with ease.
He said the National Body of the Commission has commenced a review of the Schemes of Service of the National Assembly Service, in bid to aide smooth operations of the states’ houses of assembly.
He said: “The establishment of State Assembly Service Commission is not only a constitutional matter, but also ensure effective development of the legislative service, which is the pivot of our democracy.
“The establishment of the State Assembly Commission will also ensure the creation of a crop of personnel that are dedicated, committed, loyal and highly professionalized for the service of the Legislature.
“The main responsibility of those who serve the Legislatures, as a whole, is to advice on Parliamentary procedures and practices.
“We are satisfied with the readiness of the Oyo State Assembly toward the becoming financially reliant which is due in term as all hands on desk to ensure it. We encourage them to operate the financial autonomy for ease of its functions.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt Abdulwasi Musa (Ph.D), hinted that the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has agreed to grant the state House of Assembly and its Service Commission financial autonomy.
He, however, noted that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is in talk with the Forum of Speakers of Houses of Assembly in the country to call off the ongoing industrial action by the Members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).
“Rt Hon Debo Ogundoyin and I met with his Excellency on the issue concerning the strike and I can assure you that we are working toward bringing back activities to State Assembly. You are aware it is not only Oyo State Assembly but Nationwide and very soon, they are resuming.”
