Ikuforiji’s election, which took place at the Assembly chamber shortly after Governor Babatunde Fashola proclaimed the first session of the house, was unopposed. Two members-elect of the House, Abdulrazak Balogun and Wahab Alawiye-King, respectively nominated and seconded the motion.
The other 40 members, all of the Action Congress of Nigeria, also took oath of allegiance at the House inauguration.
Ikuforiji and the Majority Leader of the 6th Assembly, Hon Kolawole Taiwo, have been engaged in a tussle of who emerges the Speaker.
Taiwo was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the assembly. His election also ran unopposed.
Governor Fashola, in his proclamation address, reiterated his delight at the success of the general elections. He saluted the efforts of those whom he described as heroes of democracy with special reference to late Mrs. Kudirat Abiola whose anniversary fell on Saturday.
Fashola said but for their sacrifices, there would be no cause to gather to inaugurate the assembly.
He, therefore, charged the legislators to, apart from law making, give quality representation by linking the government to the people in a ploy to enable the society to grow. The governor commended the efforts of the 6th Assembly particularly on the Lagos State Trust Fund which, he said, had not only helped provide quality security for the state, but is a point of reference which organisations like the United Nations is studying as a model for other countries.
Fashola said, “I charge the legislators that when conflict between their constituency and the Assembly interests arise, they should pursue what is to the greater good of the society.”
He added that the principle of separation of power did not mean that the arms of government were independent of each other but, were interdependent and should work together.
He said he had commisioned an investigation to find out what people expected from their leaders. According to him, the result showed that people wanted quality represenation and better interaction from their legislators. Fashola advised the lawmakers to open constituency offices and visit at least once weekly.
Fashola expressed delight that the seventh Assembly would have seven female members, a development which he said was unprecedented, saying that ACN was gender progressive.
While announcing names of principal officers of the House, Ikuforiji, who said the journey was ‘intricate and tortuous,’ promised that he would not take his responsibilty as the Speaker for granted.
By ABIMBOLA ADELAKUN Courtesy Of: Punch
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