Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Vice President in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba has made a call for effective representation from members of the Kogi State House of Assembly.

 

Prof. Adesugba who is also the Provost of the ACCI Business Entrepreneurial Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre made the call in Abuja while delivering lecture on ‘representation and effective legislation’ to the state lawmakers in a training workshop organised to that effect by the Kogi state government.

 

According to him, by virtue of their closeness to the grassroots and constituents, all levels of demands are squarely placed on their shoulders and that they need to constantly maintain an impactful touch with their people.

He emphasised that, there are several strategies that could be deployed in ensuring that they live a lasting legacy to their people.

In his words: “You are technically supposed to be very close to your people in order to know their basic needs and find ways to take care of them. Even as it may not be all that easy, it is very important for you, as their representatives to maintain a cordial relationship with the people.

” This is the hallmark of effective representation and in the end, you will discover that it was easier and cheaper to solve some of their basic problems that afflict them. In most cases, some of the demands are unreasonable but some of them constitute issues that bother on basic survival which you need to give to your people.

“In doing so, you must ensure that you maintain a high standard and quality representation that befits your status. You must also be conscious of both your official and personal conduct which must be conducted with the highest decorum because all eyes on you as a keeper of the conscience of your people.

“The contact with your people will be made easy if you to have platforms for engagement such as social media, constituency briefing, advocacy and commitment to the development of your constituency”.

Prof. Adesugba cautioned against unnecessary divisive tendencies, disunity and unhealthy rivalry among members which he said must unite to ensure that the dividend of democracy does not elude the good people of the state.

 

Earlier in his address, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Matthew Kolawole called on the members to take the training workshop seriously as it is packaged to give them an edge over their peers in other states.

The Speaker also promised, on behalf of his colleagues to ensure that legislative duties are done professionally and also work assiduously in ensuring that the constituents who voted them are not disappointed.

 

By Lubem Gena,  Abuja