By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has said if lawmakers across the various levels of government can get it right in terms of legislations and oversight, the business of governance will be more effective.
He harped on the need for lawmakers at various levels to hold the leadership, especially at the Executive arm, accountable for their actions and inactions.
He spoke during a two-day workshop on post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) aimed at strengthening legislative performance.
The workshop, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the effectiveness of laws in the state.
It aimed at enhancing the capacity of lawmakers to effectively monitor and assess the impact of laws after they have been passed.
It featured interactive sessions, group discussions, and keynote presentations designed to equip participants with the necessary tools for robust post-enactment scrutiny.
Speaking, Ogundoyin stressed the need for check and balance in governance describing the legislative arm as critical stakeholders in democratic setting.
He emphasized that the effectiveness of laws lie not in quantity, but the impact on lives of ordinary Nigerians and the ability of lawmakers to hold the executive accountable.
He underscores the importance of Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) in ensuring that laws remain relevant and impactful.
He said “If the legislature can get it right, governance will be more effective. As lawmakers, we must hold the executive accountable for their actions and inactions.
“Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) is not just a technical process. It is a crucial tool for ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.”
In his address, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, emphasized the importance of functional laws and post-legislative scrutiny in advancing governance.
He said governance can only succeed where all stakeholders effectively play their constitutional roles, harping on the vital role of institutional frameworks in shaping the nation’s progress.
He said “The Ministry of Justice is pivotal in ensuring that laws serve the public interest.”
In their separate remarks, the Director of the NILDS, Prof. Aderemi Adewale, and the Country Representative of WFD, Adebowale Olorunmola, urged lawmakers to ensure that laws serve their purpose and promote accountability.
Prof Adewale said legislature can be successful based on the impact the laws they enacted made on the people, saying, “the workshop aimed to strengthen legislative performance by ensuring that laws are effective and impactful. Legislatures are successful on the impact the laws they enacted made on the people.
“This is in line with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies’ efforts to promote post-legislative scrutiny as a crucial tool in legislative practice.”
Olorunmola charged legislators to take their place of pride for the people who elected them to enjoy good governance.
Lawmakers at the workshop pledged to apply the lessons learned to improve their oversight functions and strengthen legislative processes.
The Ministry of Justice also committed to enhancing the implementation of scrutinized laws to ensure they meet the needs of the people.
This workshop marks a significant milestone in Oyo state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and promote transparency. It demonstrates a commitment to institutional accountability and good governance, with the support of international partners and civil society.
