Makinde vows to waive immunity in Oyo, tasks lawmakers on service

Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed to waive his constitutional immunity for trial before the yet-to-be constituted Oyo State Financial Crimes Commission.

Inaugurating the Ninth House of Assembly yesterday in Ibadan, he promised to send two executive bills to the legislature, one of which would provide the framework for the establishment of the anti-graft agency.

His words: “I will send two executive bills to the House. The Oyo State Investment Promotion Bill and Oyo State Financial Crimes Commission. The Oyo State Financial Crimes Commission Bill will create a state agency that will ensure transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors, and work with the police in the state to reduce economic and financial crimes to the barest minimum. I will waive my immunity to stand trial before the commission.”

He charged the lawmakers to shun partisanship and work for the good of the people.

The governor stressed that the state could only move forward when the legislature and the executive collaborate to deliver democracy dividends to the electorate.

Makinde added: “There should be a good working relationship between the arms of government, even as we expect the legislature to carry out its oversight functions diligently.

“We will respect the autonomy of the legislative arm of government and sustain the doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“I implore you all to put away partisanship and work for the betterment of the people of Oyo State. I promise to make education a priority. I have promised to devote at least 10 per cent of the annual budget to education. I believe this is a worthy promise.

“Our state has struggled with education in the past few years and we need money to turn things around. Money for infrastructure, teachers’ training and development. I hope that when I present the budget, it will be passed as quickly as possible so that projects don’t stall. We all know nature abhors a vacuum.”

The governor also pledged reforms in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, social inclusion, youth development, security and social amenities.