Abel Leonard/ Lafia
Senator representing Nasarawa North senatorial District at the National Assembly, Sen. Godiya Akwashiki has said that State houses of Assembly in Nigeria if granted financial Autonomy, would enhance good governance and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
Senator Akwashiki, who was the former Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of assembly stated this while answering questions from Newsmen in his residence in Lafia today.
The Chairman,Senate Committee on Employment,Labour and Productivity emphasized that one of the outstanding challenges facing the state legislatures across the country is finance, adding that the autonomy of both the state assembly and the judiciary would go a long way in strengthening the democratic system in the country and enhance performance of the institutions.
“The problem facing state assembly not only in Nasarawa State but in Nigeria at large is financial autonomy.
“Let the state Houses of assembly be Independent. Let them have financial autonomy just like the National Assembly. Let them be self independent.
“Because sometime you want to speak and voice out but you will be thinking of what will happen to you tomorrow because they are not Independent.
“You cannot have lucrative assembly without financial autonomy as it will enhance good governance and strengthen democracy in the country,” he said.
The federal Lawmaker rated the Nasarawa State House of Assembly high in performance, revealing that it is one of the state assemblies that is been looked at in the country in both stability, oversight and law making, calling on them to sustain the spirit of peace, unity and performance.
Sen. Akwashiki Godiya lauded the good working relationship between the state assembly and the executive arm of the government and equally called for its sustainance for enhancement of peace and speedy development of the state.
“You cannot have development in your constituency or door step without the cooperation of the executive and the legislature. They must work together as partners in progress, ” Akwashiki added.
He commended the effort of Governor Abdullahi Sule, noting that the governor is doing credibly well in both peace, development and security of the people and called on citizens of the state to give him the maximum support to succeed.
Senator Godiya Akwashiki while assuring his people of more democratic dividend he advised them to be patient, respect constituted authorities and support him through prayers and understanding noting that his people welfare remains his topmost priority.
“I am targeting 60 percent work done on local roads and bridges to put them in shape in my constituency before the end of my tenure, Iga Burumburu to Mada Station road among others numerous projects across Wamba, Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon I have also outline to embark on, he said.
