The constitution of various committees in the legislative arm of government is solely to enhance performances through checks and balances in all level of governance. This was made known by Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, the spokesperson of the Lagos State House of Assembly during an interaction with the press during the visit of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs for its routine oversight functions to some Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos.
In his remarks, Hon. Ogundipe who is the representative of Oshodi-Isolo constituency-1 at the assembly and a member of the local government committee emphasized the significance of the monitoring budget performance in light of the scarce resources and the harsh economic situation. He noted that oversight functions is beyond ordinary submission of documents to back up claims in budget defense which is very crucial to the development of all sectors. "This is to ensure the right thing is done now and always. Submitting papers to defend budgets is not enough but going out there we could see physically what they have been doing, make our input where necessary which gives room for improvement".
Additionally, Hon. Ogundipe said "it is not a witch-hunting adventures but to also encourage them, to tell them the shortfalls and areas that the citizens are talking to us about so that we can tell them the areas that requires improvement and by so doing enhancing a better performance of the budget. This definitely also helps them and ensure they do the right thing even if not all the time but most times".
he added.
However, Hon. Ganiyu Sanni (Kosofe-01), the Chairman House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs led the group of lawmakers on the routine oversight functions stated that the primary aim is to ensure that public funds are effectively and judiciously used for the development of the people. "Continuous and regular checks brings balancing in governance and also an opportunity for us to familiarize ourselves about the yearnings of the people and other challenges of the Local Government administration," he explained.
In his reaction, Hon Hamzat, the Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaye Local Government appreciated the routine oversight which puts them in check and also assist in carrying out their duties properly. "The testament about the whole thing and what the State Assembly is doing is helping the Local Government to ensure we do the right thing. They have been source of advice to the local government in making sure we do the right thing at the right time so that we use people's funds properly for their growth and development".
The committee visited Ifako/Ijaye Local Government, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area and Ojodu Local Council Development Area on the day while other Local Government Areas will be visited as scheduled in their plan.
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