A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara, Iyiola Oyedepo, has described the legislature as the live wire of any democracy.
He spoke on Monday in Ilorin at a one-day seminar organised by Gavel Legiconsult for elected members of the Kwara House of Assembly.
According to Oyedepo, the legislature is the first arm of government in a democracy and not the executive as it was made to believe.
“In a democracy, the legislature is the first arm of government and not the executive.
“If we are to enjoy good democracy, the legislature must be up and doing.
“Without a good legislature, there cannot be good democracy.
“ In a democracy, no law can be made without the input of the legislature, no president or governor can spend any money without the approval of the legislature.
“It is the bastion of democracy, if the legislators know their duty, they can function well,” Oyedepo said.
He, however, said many of the legislators being elected to serve are ignorant of the power they have.
Oyedepo also said the seminar was to equip the lawmakers for legislation, law making and legal drafting of bills and motions.
“With the experience of a gradually maturing democracy, a vision and mission for its expansion and sustenance and strengthening need be developed, hence the establishment of Gavel Legiconsult.
“The vision of Gavel Legiconsult is to deepen the understanding of the theory, principles and practice of democracy and provide for good democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Gavel has as its mission to take steps that will ensure that Nigeria’s democratic culture is enhanced through raising politicians of knowledge, value, integrity and character that will provide for quality leadership in Nigeria,” Oyedepo added.
He advised the members-elect to avail themselves with the opportunity offered by the outfit to develop themselves and be well equipped for the task of law making in the state.
(NAN)
