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Posted By Admin On January 25th, 2025

Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf is the current Speaker of the 8th Assembly in Kogi State. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office, the progress achieved under the current administration, and the collaborative relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Excerpts:

Kindly introduce yourself, sir.

My name is Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, FCNA. I am the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly. I am privileged to be the 13th Speaker and currently lead the 8th Assembly in the state. As I always say, I feel fortunate to head a group of intelligent, committed, brilliant, and united legislators.

I have a background in accounting. I graduated from Salem University, Lokoja; Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja; and the National Institute of Accountancy, Jos, Plateau State. I am a member of the Association of National Accountancy of Nigeria (ANAN). I am also a retired civil servant, having retired as a Deputy Director with the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Even during my time in civil service, I never abandoned my political background, as I was groomed by some of the finest political minds in the state’s history. These included elder statesmen like the late Pa Sunday Awoniyi, the late Alhaji Sule Iyaji, the late Stephen Achema, the late Alhaji Ahmed Tijani (AT) Ahmed, the late Alhaji Aliyu Autan-Yaya, and Distinguished Senator Tunde Ogbeha, among others.

Additionally, I have been influenced by contemporary political figures such as the immediate past Governor of the state, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi, Rt. Hon. Abdulrahman Dangana, and others too numerous to mention. They have all shaped my political journey in one way or another.

What is your view on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s one year in office?

I can confidently say that so far, so good. One word I would use to describe the administration is “eventful.” It is evident that Governor Ododo is truly a servant-leader.

He has been dedicated to service since his time as the State Auditor General for Local Government under the previous administration. Even as Governor, he continues to work selflessly, rarely taking credit for his achievements, though his commitment to the people of Kogi State is undeniable.

Governor Ododo has made true consolidation his core objective, ensuring there is no vacuum in any sector of the state. He is actively working on infrastructural development, enhancing state security, improving civil servant welfare, introducing innovative economic ideas, expanding the tax net, and fostering inter-governmental relationships.

For example, the recently completed Zone Eight to Crusher Road project and the ongoing beautification in that area have revitalized economic and social activities, bringing nightlife back to the state capital. Projects like the Zone Eight to Barracks, Zango, and Zariagi Road upgrades, as well as the proposed health sector developments and the ultramodern Lokoja International Market, show the administration’s focus on holistic development.

How would you describe the executive-legislative relationship under the current government?

I must commend the Governor for his pragmatic approach to ensuring absolute autonomy for the state legislature, as well as the judiciary. This has led to a very cordial and mutually respectful relationship.

The issue of autonomy is something we have long advocated for, and I am proud to say that we enjoy significant independence here in Kogi State. Many states only wish they had the level of autonomy we experience. The Governor has demonstrated that he values a collaborative approach, helping dispel the notion that the legislature is merely an extension of the executive.

Our relationship is built on respect and is focused on serving the best interests of the people of Kogi State.

What is your response to claims that the current legislature in Kogi State is a rubber stamp of the executive?

Whenever I hear such claims, I laugh. We are not a rubber stamp by any stretch of the imagination. Some people believe a functional legislature must be in constant conflict with the executive, but this is a flawed notion.

The legislature must collaborate with other arms of government to drive the state’s development. Nigerian democracy has evolved significantly since 1999, and it is important to understand the peculiarities of each state.

For instance, states created in 1967 cannot be compared to those established in 1976, 1987, or later. Similarly, resources vary from state to state. These factors shape the dynamics of executive-legislative relationships.

Take my own constituency, for example. I represent a rural community where my people lack roads and depend on farming. As a legislator, does it make sense for me to fight the executive rather than work collaboratively to bring development to my people? Purposeful representation requires partnership, not opposition for its own sake.

I am glad that my colleagues in the Assembly share this perspective. We are committed to working with all stakeholders, particularly the executive, to improve living conditions for our constituents.

Democracy thrives on collaboration. That does not mean we shy away from our oversight responsibilities or refrain from asking critical questions. We do all of that and more. However, the criticisms we face often lack objectivity and constructiveness.

The beauty of democracy is that people are free to express their views, but labeling the legislature as a rubber stamp does not make it true.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2025/01/25/we-are-not-a-rubber-stamp-legislature-kogi-speaker/