By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.Chief Olamide Oladiji, has described the visit of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) delegation to the state as a welcome development that would strengthen parliamentary institutions and enhance staff productivity.
Receiving the team led by Hon.Dr. Affez Ipesa Balogun at the house of Assembly in Akure with other Principal Officers,other Lawmakers,members of the State house of Assembly Commission and Staff,, Oladiji noted that the visit was the first of its kind since his entry into the 9th Assembly, adding that it provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the legislature and chart a new course for staff development and effective lawmaking.
While commending the delegation for the initiative, the Speaker emphasized that the engagement should not only focus on collaboration but also address key issues such as the welfare of staff, training, promotion, and discipline in line with service rules and the enabling law of the commission. He further pointed out that legislative autonomy remained a critical factor in ensuring timely and independent parliamentary operations across the country.
Oladiji highlighted that the Ondo State Assembly had recently passed a law amending the tenure of members of the Assembly Service Commission from four to five years, a development he said was made possible through the support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who assented to the bill.
The Speaker expressed appreciation to the governor for his consistent support towards the legislature and also commended the leadership of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission for fostering harmony with the Assembly.
Earlier in his remarks, leader of the delegation,Hon. Dr. Balogun, explained that the visit was part of the commission’s zonal programme aimed at fostering synergy between the National Assembly Service Commission and its state counterparts in the Southwest.
He said the initiative was designed to improve staff training, build institutional equality, and promote democratic growth. “Our goal is to ensure competent staffing to support lawmakers in committee work and chamber proceedings, so that we can have robust legislation at all levels,” he noted.
Dr. Balogun emphasized that legislative autonomy was fundamental to separation of powers, noting that at the federal level, the legislature, judiciary, and executive already operate independently with financial backing through first-line charges. He urged state governments to replicate the same system to deepen democracy and ensure effective governance.
“The people at the grassroots benefit the most when all arms of government are truly independent. That is why we encourage states to embrace full autonomy for legislatures, judiciaries, and executives,” he said.
Speaking in an interview, Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt.Hon.Dare Emiola, stressed the importance of staff training to legislative efficiency. He explained that the visit underscored the need for synergy between the Assembly, the Commission, and the executive to entrench good governance.
“When staff are not trained, the system weakens. We must continue to build capacity and ensure every process is guided by law. This synergy is vital to strengthen democracy at the state level,” Emiola added.
The courtesy call, which formed part of NASC’s Southwest tour, also provided a platform for robust discussions on strengthening legislative institutions and improving staff welfare across state assemblies.
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