The basic statutorily responsibility of the legislative organ in any democratic society is to make laws. Laws that are not draconian, but for the good of the society.
The legislature is indispensable, because it is only structure that symbolizes democracy in a society.
Other organs of government namely: Executive and Judiciary, could exist even in the worst dictatorial government, but it is not so in the case of legislative organ.
In an ideal democratic society, the legislative chamber is the only avenue where every member of that society speaks through his or her representatives. Therefore, the essence of the legislative arm of governance is to speak the mind of the constituents in issues concerning matters of national or local interest.
However, in Rivers State, lawmakers are not enacting laws or initiating bills that are capable of uplifting the socio-economic life of the people.
Rivers lawmakers do not border on how their constituents or those whose mandate they are enjoying in the RSHA are faring.
Our legislators are only concerned with the welfare of their nucleus family which is so paramount in their dictionary. It is very shameful to see a lawmaker living in mansion, while a constituent is living in penury.
If I had the opportunity to serve my people in the Rivers State House of Assembly, I will initiative bill that would reduce the ever increasing house rent in the Port Harcourt metropolis and its environs. It is frightening to say that to rent a bedroom flat in the Agip Estate axis of Port Harcourt cost N300, 000 per annum, while a one room shop in Rumuola goes for N40, 000 per month. Our landlords are being possessed with shylock’s mentality.
The current set of lawmakers seems to be adamant, about the periodic increase of house rent in the state capital. No wonder, because they are living in free accommodation in the Assembly Quarters. Our legislators do not legislate on matters that will not benefit the masses, because of their selfish interest.
That is greed of the highest order, act of wickedness and calculated attempt to frustrate the members of their constituencies so as to continue in their slavery leadership style. ####
Damiete West
08037502931
wdamiete@yahoo.com
