WHEN LAWMAKERS DEVIATE FROM THEIR DUTIES IN ENUGU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

*When Lawmakers Deviate from Their Duties in Enugu State House of Assembly...*

By Ezugwu Martins Chimguzorom (EMC)

It is not the person who knows how to dance that is celebrated, but the one who knows when to dance and does so appropriately.

During the last general election in Enugu State, some politicians, especially those who contested to represent their people at the State House of Assembly, flattered the general public with eloquent speeches. Most of these speeches were crafted without genuine interest in the well-being of the Enugu people, but since some of our people are easily swayed by good campaign manifestos rather than individual track records, those with oratorical skills were elected. Some even hired professional writers and spokespeople to win the hearts of our people, who were demoralized by the poor performance of the PDP in the state for years.

Moreover, some of these lawmakers rode on the wave of Mr. Peter Obi, who has proven to be a man of great political integrity. However, some of these lawmakers do not understand the essence and roles of lawmaking; their interest was more of a "let's get in" mentality. They eventually got in, but how do they serve the public?

As the people of Enugu expect a strong political paradigm shift not only in the executive but also in the legislative branch, they are instead faced with the opposite. At this point, the people can no longer understand what is happening regarding lawmaking and checks and balances in the Enugu State House of Assembly, as some lawmakers fail to scrutinize the policies of the executive or speak for the masses as expected. Is it the case of money changing hands from the executive to the legislature?

As absurd as it may sound, some of these lawmakers even boldly turn themselves into media aides to the Executive. They go the extra mile to use every public opportunity to praise the State Governor. Hardly do you see or hear some of them visiting their constituencies to interact with their people or attract constituency projects.

What can we say? In a state where suspected Fulani herders killed hundreds of Enugu people, yet we did not hear the State House of Assembly speaking out against it, just like the executive was mute. In a state where over-taxation, including multiple taxes and levies that have increased the burden on Enugu State indigenes, has almost destroyed their livelihoods, we are yet to hear the State House of Assembly make any move towards reviewing the tax structure to make it more affordable and manageable for citizens. In a state where projects are being flagged off daily since 2023, but none has been completed or commissioned except for superficial projects like road painting, even when some are collapsing, some of the lawmakers are busy celebrating the State Governor on social media. In a state where people's properties and sources of livelihood were destroyed in a plan to build a bus terminal without compensation or prior notice to the owners, we did not hear the state lawmakers say anything about it; instead, they celebrate the State Governor at every occasion.

Enugu people can mention many such instances, but for how long?

We want a State House of Assembly that will be accountable to the people and not to the Governor. It is evident that the people of Enugu State made some gross mistakes, which shall be corrected in 2027.

Enugu State shall be great again!