Vibrant legislature will curb executive lawlessness – Gov Wike

From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has urged the National and State Assembly Commissions to provide strong and effective institutional support for the legislative houses to enjoy greater independence from the Executive arm of government.
Wike made the call on Wednesday when he declared open the 7th National and State Assembly Commissionsa�� Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The governor said that the effective performance by the National and State Assemblies would shape the development of democracy.
He said: “It takes strong, independent and efficient National and State Assemblies to advance these basic development goals. Legislative houses also need strong and effective institutional support to be effective. This is where the role and relevance of National and State Assemblies become necessary.
“The creation of the Assembly Service Commission is vital as it has made the National and State Assemblies one of the most independent in Africa,” he said..
Wike explained that the recruitment, promotion and discipline of parliamentary staff by the National and State Assembly Commissions, ensure that the Executive does not control the legislative arm.
He stressed the need for a cooperative relationship between the National and State Assemblies for the entrenchment of democratic values at all levels.
In his address, the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Adamu Fika, said that in spite of the benefits of the State Assembly Service Commission to the development of the legislature, many states were yet to establish their commissions.
He appealed to all the state governments yet to establish their commissions to do so for the independence of the legislature.
He said: “The theme of this year’s conference: a�?Enhancing Synergy for Service Delivery in the Legislaturea�?, was meant to strengthen the foundation of the legislative service by building a strong collaboration to enhance nationwide synergy for service delivery “.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Parley Iriase, said that the House would work towards ensuring that the all states establish their Assembly Service Commissions.