The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has disclosed that his government has never spent a dime without the approval of the Osun State House of Assembly since he assumed office.
Governor Aregbesola made the disclosure while addressing a gathering during the Special Parliamentary Session organized by the members of the Osun State House of Assembly in honour of the Speaker of the House, Hon. Najeem Salam, who turned 50.
He stated that his government has been conscious of the legislative roles in the running of the constitutionally designated duties of the government, stressing that the impact of the legislature can never be over emphasized towards the achievement of a sustainable democracy.
Aregbesola spoke in reaction to the recent petition written and forwarded to the House for investigation by one of the sitting judges of the state High Court, Justice Folahanmi Olamide Oloyede.
Oloyede accused the governor of collecting and mismanaging over N538 billion between 2010 to 2014.
The governor described the allegation as an unfortunate fabrication and baseless.
Aregbesola, who denied the allegation, stated even if the state is earning N5 billion every month, it could not still accrue to such outrageous amount within the years in question.
Governor Aregbesola noted that despite his high level of transparency and openness, he could not believe that such hate statement could emanate from an arm of government, which is part of the system, and by someone who by the virtue of her office is highly respected.
He said he can never be distracted or forced to deviate from the right path of fulfillment in spite of the current economic challenges ravaging the state and the country at large.
He stated that the role of the legislative arm in a democratically elected government can never be overemphasized as most of the executive roles are hinged on the collective ratification and approval of the legislature, adding that in the eye of the law, nothing can be done without the approval of the members of the House of Assembly.
He explained that the roles of the legislature was not only limited to the approval of the appropriation bill from the executive, but also has prominent oversight functions and roles in ensuring that the executive performs its statutory duties as expected in line with the constitution.
Governor Aregbesola said it is also the duty of the State House of Assembly, having approved the implementation of a proposed appropriation bill or the proposed projects to be executed by the executive, to equally monitor it and ascertain that the approved fund is used for the said projects, which his government has successfully managed with the previous and current legislators.
He said if anyone now feels that he or she at the comfort of his or her house can just write a petition against the Governor without the requisite knowledge on the fact that it is not possible for the executive be it Governor, Commissioner, and other government parastatals and agencies, to implement any project whatsoever without the consent and approval of the House, he or she is just wasting his or her time and such petition will always amount to mere emotional disposition that can never be enforced by law.
He lauded the resilience and doggedness of the state legislators for being forthright and unwavering in carrying out their constitutional duties since its inauguration, stressing that the House has been very cooperative, supportive and collaborative with his government.
Governor Aregbesola promised that the current economic crisis in the state would soon become a thing of the past as his government is working round the clock to make life more prosperous, meaningful, fulfilling, peaceful and abundant to the entire citizenry.
He said the parliamentary system of the government remained the best for Nigeria and other developing countries of the world, noting that it is the only system of government that concentrates all governmental powers in the hands of the legislature and as such helping the financial management of the government because all the financial resources are concentrated on the legislature for distribution and disbursement and whoever fails, either member of the parliament or the executive will definitely face the sanction of the parliament.
Governor Aregbesola described Speaker Salam as an epitome of humility, patience, tolerance, perseverance and that he is God fearing.
He therefore wished him more prosperous life on earth as he celebrates his golden jubilee age, urging him not to deviate from good deeds, good work and as well be more committed and dedicated welfare of the people as part of his traits.
The Osun State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Rasak Salinsile, described the celebrant as an articulate, diligent, contented, pleasant, opened-handed and kind man who can give anything out within his disposal and do anything to satisfy his fellow beings.
Salinsile described Salaam as a scholar per excellence.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adesina Michael Adeyemo; his counterpart from Ogun State, Hon. Surajudeen Ishola Adekunbi; former Speakers of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Majeed Alabi and Hon. Adejare Bello, described Salam as a man of substance, integrity and humility, symbol of success, triumphant, truthful and seasoned politician, who is always conscious about the feelings of others.
While Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Hon. Debo Akanbi, Hon. Abiodun Awolola, Hon. Olalekan Afolabi, Hon. Oladejo Makinde, Hon. Femi Fafiyebi, Hon. Adeoye Adelakun among others described the celebrant as an asset to the state legislative arm, Osun State and Nigeria, wishing him more years in good health, abundant knowledge and robust wisdom to continuously steer the ship of the House to the promised land as aspired by all.
The celebrant was blessed by the traditional rulers in the likes of the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Adedeji; Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi; and Elende of Eko-ende, Oba Kamil Ajadi, among others prayed God to bestowed the celebrant more prosperous life, wisdom and grace to witness more years on earth.
The august occasion witnessed the presence of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; the Head of Service, Sunday Owoeye; the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Gboyega Famodun; and different people from all walks of life.
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