Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Indigenes of Ebonyi State in the diaspora have tasked members of Ebonyi state House of Assembly to live up to ther responsibility of thoroughly scrutinizing government programmes instead of been a rubber stamp.
The spokesperson of the group, Ambassador Pascal Ogbonna Oluchukwu, who gave the charge, urged the state Assembly to always stand for and encourage what is right in its dealings with the government and people of the state.
Oluchukwu, in a statement made available to newsmen last weekend in Abuja, claimed that he observed that the state Assembly was intimidated to dance to the tunes of the state government.
The activist wondered why a state legislature would pass state budget without due diligence, adding that the idea of a quick passage of law in favour of some interests in the state without thorough deliberation by the state Assembly members cannot serve the people of Ebonyi right.
While urging the state lawmakers to put the general interest of the state at heart, Pascal also lamented the lack of autonomy for the lawmakers.
He faulted the idea of the state Assemblies depending on the executive even for every kobo as giving state governor executive power to control the lawmakers anyhow.
He alleged that the state legislature had been compromised and emasculated, adding that “it has turned them into mere rubber stamp in the hands of the executive. As the legislature becomes subservient, it also becomes redundant and of little significance in the eyes of the citizens.
“The purpose of the House of Assembly is to provide oversight on the executive and ensures that all actions and inactions of the government are guided by the laws and regulations promulgated by the legislature. When it comes to law making, the House of Assembly must ensure the laws are passed with the positive interest of Ebonyians at heart.
“Unfortunately, however,” Pascal said: “The case is different in Ebonyi, as the House of Assembly only plies its trades around where the executive domicile. The members have all been compromised and have left the interest of the wonderful people of Ebonyi in Limbo.
“Democracy seems to have lost its core values in just a very short time in Ebonyi. Debates and disagreements are the core of any true democracy. But justice has continued to lose over politics in the state and the value of truth has been so diminished.
“Those in current government only find value in what they want the people to believe. It is such a pity that this is where we find ourselves. It’s a Shame.
“I urge the State House of Assembly to carry out their duties with integrity. They were elected to serve the people and not compromise their offices in favour of the executive,” the statement stated.