“I believe that the Increment of the Compulsory Basic Due is a Necessary Step in the Right Direction”- Speaker, AFAS FLC

By: Lawal Moruf

In this brief interview with the Speaker, Association of Faculty of Arts Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Inioluwa, he enlightens AFASites on his role in the legislative council, his position on the increment of the basic due, and also assures AFASites of prompt communication, amongst other salient issues

What is your understanding of the office as the speaker?

The office of the Speaker is an important principal office of the Legislative council. As the speaker, I can only cast votes in the event of a tie. Also, the office is, however, not autocratic. I believe that my current position as the speaker is due to the belief that my fellow honourables from different constituencies have in me and the trust that I would not misuse the office. This trust I do not take for granted and I hold in high esteem.

Do you have any initiative for the House?

As regards initiatives, I want to improve on the communication of the House with AFASites so that they can be abreast with latest updates. We’d also carry out a legislative summit and a parliamentary visit.

There is always discord between the executive and legislative council, how do you want to navigate this avoidable rift?

The legislative and executive council are important wheels in the machinery of government. We are all aware that there would be friction between two surfaces if they are not well greased or oiled. That friction is often caused by my observation in different legislative councils where I have served, due to lack of communication and disregard for rule of law. And when there is sliding friction between surfaces in a machine, it slows down the entire machine. Examples of such slowing down of the machinery of government abound. Proper communication of intent and regard for the rule of law and the constitution are the necessary grease to oil the wheel and avoid unnecessary discord.

What’s your stance on the increment of basic due?

I believe that the increment of the compulsory basic due is a necessary step in the right direction. The House would however assure AFASites that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring efficient use and transparency in all financial dealings within the association.

How do you intend to ensure transparency and accountability both in the executive and legislative council?

Transparency and accountability would be ensured in the executive and legislative council by proper checks and balances. Audits and reports from each executive office would also be carried out.

Lackadaisical attitudes of honourable members towards sittings, poor and late attendance are some of the traits that trailed the previous legislative council. What measures are you going to put in place to curb these?

Lackadaisical attitudes to service and lateness to sittings would not be tolerated. The House would also ensure that sittings start on time. Whenever there is a lot on our Agenda, we would have our sitting on a weekend so that we can start in the morning and finish by afternoon.

It has been noticed that some departments are without legislative council, are there any plans to look into it?

Yes, there are some departments without a legislative council such as Arabic and Islamic Studies and, up until recently, Archaeology and Anthropology. Each departmental association has the body of rules or constitution by which it functions. If any department wants to amend its constitution and create a legislative council, we will work with them in the amendment of their constitution and the establishment of a legislature. The House would however recommend that it is imperative for every association with an executive body to have a legislative council for checks and balances of power.

How do AFASites get the minutes of each sitting?

AFASItes can get the minutes of each sitting through Honourables representing their constituency and also when the spokesperson puts out resolutions of each sitting.

What is the update on the office of the Director of welfare services?

On the office of the Director of Welfare Services. There is a bill to create the office but there was no presidential assent.

How do you intend to actualise the inclusion of the bill in the AFAS constitution?

The bill has passed all the readings but there was no presidential assent. So, the sponsor of the bill will have to present the bill again to the floor of the house to be vetoed.