By Joseph Akanbi
The State of Osun House of Assembly has amended the State of Osun Local Government creation and administration law.
The bill which was first presented to the house on Wednesday, came up for second and third reading at Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye.
The bill is sponsored by Hon. Femi Popoola, the Deputy Speaker and member representing Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency and co-sponsored by Hon. Maruf Olanrewaju, the Majority Leader and member representing Irewole/Isokan State Constituency.
Highlighting the importance of the bill, the sponsor, Hon. Moruf Olanrewaju said the law if passed will enable financial scrutiny of the finances of the Local Government Areas in the State.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Hon. Femi Popoola said the current parliamentary system of governance in the LGA is saddled with so many problem. He said the bill will regulate the activities of parliamentarian, stop rancour and acrimony bedeviling the LG system.
The Deputy Speaker also said the law will promote peace and good governance, as well as fair and equitable sharing of monthly allocation.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Festus Komolafe said the law will stabilize the LG, LCDA and area council that may find it difficult to meet up with statutory obligation due to their meagre allocation.
The member representing Olorunda State Constituency, Hon. Kunle Akande said the law will assist local councils within Osogbo, Olorunda and others who receive negative allocation and ensure equitable distribution of funds
Hon. Akande said the law when passed will address the statutory and common interest in LG administration, confront any emergency situation and ensure timely payment of primary school teachers as and when due.
Other contributors include Hon. Festus Komolafe, Hon. Uzamot Adebayo, Hon. Babatunde Ibirogba, Hon. Desmond Ojo.
The amended parts of the law include the removal and suspension of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of LGAs, State and Local Government Joint Project account, revenue allocation formula, and payment of salary and allowances of primary school teachers and local government staffs.
The bill which seeks to amend the State of Osun Local Government Creation and Administration law, was later read for the third time and passed after a motion moved by Hon Moruf Olanrewaju and seconded by Hon. Festus Komolafe.