The Chairman of the Inter Parliamentary Relations Committee, Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Prophetess Atinuke M Witherspoon hosts members of the Committee on its inaugural meeting. The meeting centres on how to exalt the status of the Ondo State House of Assembly amongst other Assemblies in Nigeria and to deliberate on how to relate with Parliament at regional, national and continental level.
In attendance were: the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole Emmanuel, Hon. Fabiyi Samuel, Hon. Ogunlana Christopher, Hon. Barr Afe Felix, Hon. Barr Rotimi Abitogun and the Committee Clerk, Mr Tope Odole.
While addressing members of the Committee, the Chairman stated that the Committee on Inter Parliamentary Relations is constitutional and statutory recognized by law, hence, the Committee has fundamental duties to harmonize with other Assemblies at the regional, national and continental level. Hon Prophetess Atinuke M Witherspoon thereby admonished members of the Committee to initiate ideas that can facelift the Ondo State House of Assembly amongst other Parliaments. She affirmed that the success of the Committee is success of the House at large, the Majority Leader (Chairman, South West House of Assembly Majority Leaders) and the Speaker (Vice Chairman, Southern House of Assembly Speakers). She expressed her optimism that the Committee will thrive in the 10th Assembly.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole Emmanuel lauded the Committee Chairman, Hon Witherspoon for her brilliant visions and missions for the Committee. The Owo Constituency I representative asserted that all ideas shall be reviewed as no idea is outrightly useless. Similarly, Hon Fabiyi Samuel explained that if the Committee explores all available resources, it will achieve all its basic objectives.
Hon. Dr Christopher Ogunlana expressed that the Committee needs to work on innovation and research on the happenings of other Parliaments. He pointed out that Fund may poise a bane to the Committee. However, he raised hope that there will always be respite for the Committee base on its landmark activities and achievement.
Hon. Barrister Rotimi Abitogun appreciated the Chairman of the Committee, describing her as a woman of outstanding values. He stated that with Hon Prophetess Atinuke M. Witherspoon heading the Committee, he is certain that it shall reach for the peak.
The Akure South Constituency representative suggested that the Committee can also visit the Ondo State Caucus of the National Assembly in order to enhance legislative duties of all parties in the various Constituencies.
The Clerk of the Committee, Mr Tope Odole highlighted that the Committee’s purview covers its relations with continental and international Parliamentary bodies such as International Parliamentary Union, African Union and Commonwealth. Mr Odole thereby recommended to the Committee to engage in visitations to other Assemblies in order to accrue ideas and innovation that would be beneficial to the Ondo State House of Assembly.
In her closing remark, the Chairman appreciated the Honorable Members of the Committee for their participation. She assured them that sooner, the Committee shall embark on some visitation to other Parliaments. She noted that the Committee shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring the supports of both the Legislative and the Executive arms of Government. She also expressed her optimism that the Committee shall surely attain sterling heights and shall shapen the status of the 10th Assembly.
Ogunleye Busuyi Kehinde,
Aide on Media and Publicity,
Ondo State House of Assembly,
Owo ConstituencyII.
Peoplesmind