By: Akpovoke Otiti Asaba
Delta State House Of Assembly (DTHA) representing Okpe State Constituency, Chief James Augoye, said that the duties of a legislator is to support and facilitates bills, saying “I’m once a councilor so the task won’t that be hard for me”.
The most humble lawmaker, Augoye, who spoke to journalists briefly after their Inauguration at his reception amidst guests said he would do his oversight function effectively.
None of these roles can be fulfilled successfully without meaningfully engaging the constituents.
The benefits of doing so are extensive, and they accrue to legislature individually, to the House of Assembly as an institution, and to the public.
We as law makers always have a special and indispensable place in democratic governance because we are mandated to represent our people’s concerns most directly in the central government.
Embedded in the very concept of representative democracy is the idea that those who are affected by government decisions have a right to be involved in the decision-making process.
I will always and effectively engage with my constituents for a better able understanding and to build enduring political coalitions and secure continued electoral success in my Okpe Constituency.
My people will be better equipped to expand their level of influence in these M.O.R.E Agenda administration, I will make sure my representation elevate their public profiles, and build their personal brands.
“I will make my constituency greater in their ability to control their own messages and speak for the truth at all times, rather than having their narratives mediated by party leaders, the press, or other outside groups.
“Engagement is also often the greatest source of personal fulfillment, and as a law maker I will cite the opportunity for my people to make a tangible difference in people’s lives as where they derive the greatest meaning in their work.’ Augoye said
The house of Assembly as an institution benefits very broadly from effective communication with constituents as well. Legislative solutions are better, more effective, and more sustainable when they are based on the input of the people they impact.
Furthermore, institutional capacity is significantly augmented by having access to independent analysis from outside experts and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
This is especially helpful while law makers are still in the process of building up the capacity of their own research services and resources, and it ensures they are not solely dependent upon the executive branch.
Having independent sources of information is critical for conducting meaningful oversight as well.
