A Lagos lawmaker, Adedamola Kasunmu, has debunked claims that the state House of Assembly was a mere ‘rubber stamp’ for the state government.
Kasunmu, representing the Ikeja two constituency in the House, made the clarification in an interview in Lagos.
According to the lawmaker, the Lagos Assembly preferred to work harmoniously with the state executive for the overall progress and development of the state.
“I can tell you emphatically that the Lagos State House of Assembly is not a rubber stamp, but we work harmoniously with the state government in the interest of our constituents.
“For instance, the 2018 budget that was submitted by the governor last December; we are still very busy thoroughly scrutinising the Appropriation Bill to ensure there are no grey areas.
“A `rubber stamp’ legislature will not be that meticulous.
“We are effective in our oversight function by ensuring that the state executive follows due process in every aspect of its job, and Gov. Akinwumi Ambode also makes our job easier by following due process,’’ he said.
The lawmaker, also Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, advised youths to be focussed, hardworking and be determined to succeed in their endeavours.
“One major thing I can do to encourage the youths is to excel in their responsibilities so that other youths like me can equally be called upon to serve in government in future.
“I will advise the youths to always remain focussed, hopeful, patriotic, determined to succeed and they should not shy away from responsibilities. They should engage more in productive ventures,’’ he said.
Kasunmu said he was committed to returning Lagos to the glorious days of sport excellence and ensure the state had a football team competing at the national premier league.
“I recognise that sports are effective tools for youth development and I am committed to ensuring that sporting facilities are provided in all the 40 constituencies of the state.
“The state also deserves to have its own football team competing at the Nigeria Premier League, and we are also working on that,’’ he said.
