The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures has advised members of Houses of Assembly across the country not to allow external bodies to influence the removal of their Speakers and other principal officers.
This resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting held on Friday in Abuja, presided over by its chairman, who also serves as the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
In the communiqué, made available on Saturday, the conference condemned what it described as external interference in the crises affecting the Rivers and Lagos State Houses of Assembly.
The conference further urged members of State Houses of Assembly to uphold legislative independence and resist undue external influence.
It called on lawmakers to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and enabling laws when considering the removal of presiding officers, rather than allowing external forces to dictate such decisions.
Commenting on the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, the conference acknowledged the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House and called for recognition and engagement with the duly constituted Assembly to foster stability and progress.
Regarding the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the conference reiterated its condemnation of external interference in the Assembly’s affairs, stressing that such actions undermine legislative independence.
Furthermore, the conference reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democracy and upholding legislative autonomy.
“The Conference notes the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. We call on the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Dr Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders to recognise and engage with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress. Respect for judicial decisions and institutional harmony is essential for effective governance.
The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers but insists that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws.
“We condemn external interference in the affairs of the Lagos State House of Assembly, as it undermines legislative independence. All stakeholders are urged to respect the Assembly’s autonomy and ensure internal matters are resolved without external coercion,” the communique stated.
Source: Daily post
