The Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Legislative Matters, Hon. Luke Onyeani, has said there is no executive interference in the operations of the State House of Assembly, describing the relationship between the executive and legislative arms as “cordial and collaborative”.
In an exclusive interview with NewsNGR on Tuesday, Onyeani, a former member of the House, praised Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style, emphasising that his non-intrusive and supportive approach has enabled the 8th Assembly to perform its duties effectively and independently.
“There is no interference in what happens in the House from the executive,” Onyeani said. “The relationship between the executive and the legislature is cordial to the extent that there is no law that this 8th Assembly has passed without the governor giving his assent.”
Onyeani noted that the governor has been deliberate in creating an enabling environment for lawmakers to function optimally.
“You can see for yourself that all the legislators need to do their jobs effectively is being provided. The executive has been giving them all that is due to them,” he added.
He credited the Assembly’s productivity and cohesiveness to this cooperative relationship, describing the 8th Assembly as one of the most effective in the state’s history.
“This 8th Assembly is one of the best Houses ever. The members are really doing their jobs with utmost commitment,” he said.
On the issue of legislative autonomy, Onyeani highlighted significant progress, noting that key institutions necessary for the independence and efficiency of the legislature are now in place.
“Today, the Abia State House of Assembly Civil Service Commission has come to fruition,” he announced. “The Commission must now make haste while the sun shines in discharging its responsibilities.”
He stressed that the establishment of the commission is a step forward in institutionalising the autonomy of the legislature and ensuring the smooth administration of its internal affairs.
The development, he said, is a testament to the collaborative governance model being championed by Governor Otti, and he expressed optimism that this will translate into sustained progress and development across the state.
Stakeholders in Abia’s political landscape have lauded the current synergy between the branches of government, viewing it as a departure from past tensions that often hindered governance.
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