By Mumini Abdulkareem
The Deputy House Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Bello John Olanrewaju representing Lanwa/Ejidongari constituency of Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State has said the legislature was yet to get full financial autonomy.
Olarewaju who said the ninth legislature was not happy with what they met on ground noted that the House was still expecting the white paper of the President on the issue.
According to him, the Governor will heed to the call of the members to suspend the DPMs and treasurers but just being very careful adding that House is not a rubber stamp.
He said: “In terms of policy and administration, I can say we have autonomy but we are not financially autonomous yet and when that is not there, there is nothing or less we can do.
“When we are supposed to move and when our money is to come from the federation account is not there yet. It is what the Governor try to source out of what he has that we make do with. The governor is very proactive, intelligent and business oriented and don’t want anything to slow down in the state.
“The Governor do not dictate to us on what to do, we decide and look at issues affecting our people and debate it at the floor for implementation. We are not rubber stamp”, he added.
He said the unity and cooperation among his colleagues coupled with the assistance of the experienced staff at the House of Assembly and the series of trainings received prior their inauguration has really assisted the members.
While urging the people to be patient with the Government, Hon Olanrewaju assured that he will not disappoint them in providing dividends of democracy.
“Although it is difficult to meet all the aspiration of the people but whatever we need to do we shall do including using our salaries because we are here to serve the people. The little we are collecting now is more than what we earn before and so we should be able to give out of that.
“About five wards have been cut off from my community through the bridge. Things have really gotten worse. During the time of former Governor Bukola Saraki around 2003, we knew how everything was and rural roads were been graded and the bridges were solidly constructed but that is no more the case” he added.
