By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, has urged lawmakers to remain focused on the needs of their constituents, stressing that effective representation must be driven by the welfare and aspirations of the people.
Yusuf made the call on Wednesday during a special plenary marking the conclusion of the Third Legislative Session and the third anniversary of the 8th Assembly, where he reflected on the legislature’s performance and achievements since its inauguration.
The Speaker described the Assembly as one of the most stable and productive legislative bodies in the state’s history, noting that unity, cooperation and mutual respect among members had enabled lawmakers to concentrate on governance and development rather than political disputes.
He emphasized that the true measure of any legislature lies in the positive impact of its decisions on citizens, urging members to sustain their commitment to accountable and responsive representation.
Presenting a scorecard of the Assembly’s activities, Yusuf disclosed that during the third legislative session, the House received 23 bills, comprising 19 Executive Bills and four Private Members’ Bills. Out of the number, 19 bills were passed into law, while four remain under consideration by relevant committees.
According to him, the 8th Assembly has, since its inauguration in 2023, considered a total of 76 bills, made up of 55 Executive Bills and 21 Private Members’ Bills. Of the total, 59 have been passed into law, while 17 are at various stages of legislative processing.
He said the Assembly recorded an 82.6 per cent success rate in bill passage during the third session and an overall productivity rate of 77.6 per cent over the past three years, describing the figures as a reflection of members’ dedication to legislative excellence and good governance.
Yusuf also highlighted the impact of legislative actions on development across the state, pointing to ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare and social intervention programmes.
He noted that the legislature’s constitutional responsibility of scrutinizing, approving and appropriating public funds has been instrumental in driving key government projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, hospitals and educational facilities.
The Speaker commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the legislature, saying the administration’s collaborative approach has enhanced governance and accelerated development efforts across Kogi State.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to the state’s political stability and development, praising his continued support for the progress of Kogi.
Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, lauded Yusuf’s leadership style, describing it as inclusive and result-oriented. She said the achievements recorded by both the Assembly and individual lawmakers in their constituencies were largely attributable to the atmosphere of cooperation, unity and shared purpose fostered under the Speaker’s leadership.
The special plenary provided an opportunity for members to reflect on the Assembly’s legislative milestones while reaffirming their commitment to advancing policies and laws that improve the lives of Kogi citizens.