REMODELLING OF ASSEMBLY COMPLEX AFFIRMS GOVERNOR OYEBANJI'S RESPECT FOR LEGISLATURE, SAYS EKITI SPEAKER As the ongoing remodelling of the Ekiti State House of Assembly structure advances, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye says approval of the project reflects the governor's respect for the legislature. Aribasoye who described the project as critical to the functionality of the legislative arm of government noted that governor Oyebanji has been glaringly supportive to the assembly without attempting to gag lawmakers at any time. The Speaker, during a routine inspection of the work, explained that the previous working condition in the assembly was below standard with several offices dilapidated, some experiencing roof leakage and some affected by structural anomalies. He described as embarrassing , a situation where a lawmaker would share a single office, merely divided by a piece of furniture, with staff and aides attached to them noting that past and present lawmakers adapted to the situation in the spirit of sacrifice. The speaker said, "The situation before now was not a proper one, offices had no befitting rest rooms, some still have old louvers, even the house does not have a restaurant within. It may interest you to know that all visitors that came to see the speaker, large or small in number, were received inside the office of the speaker, no conference room, no properly defined privacy for the Speaker" He thanked the Governor for graciously approving the remodelling, sending down a competent contractor and funding same. Meanwhile the speaker has had the pleasure of conducting some high profile visitors round the ongoing remodelling and construction work at the house of assembly. The state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, that of health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Permanent Secretary Governor's Office, Tajudeen Adejumon and the Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi all a described the ongoing work as a masterpiece in view adding that such was befitting of the legislature. A former deputy speaker at the Ekiti assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi and a former deputy leader of the house, Hon. Tajudeen Akingbolu also admired the emerging new structure which they believed would create motivation within the work environment for both the political class and government staff in the assembly. The state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists led by the Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi and the body of Special Advisors in the state led by Chief Biodun Akin Fasae also inspected the level of work done, applauding it as a good way to dignify the arm that houses the elected representatives of the people. Babatuyi equally remarked that the project reflected the drive and push of the 7th assembly led by Aribasoye adding that the digital revolution recently brought to the house, which included live streaming of plenaries actually attracted applause from media professionals. The project, which would be fully delivered in few months time include the remodelled speaker and deputy speaker's wing which would also house their immediate staff and aides; offices of principal officers and other members; a standard restaurant; a clinic within the complex and offices of the clerk and other staff members all with modern touch and facilities. A newly constructed structure for the House of Assembly Service Commission would also be delivered while a modern gatehouse, a spacious hall for citizens engagements, conveniences, an ICT centre and security posts among others formed part of the contract details. At the moment, the remodelling of the speaker's wing and construction of the assembly commission complex are 90% completed as other works are equally progressing speedily. Babajide Agbeyo Special Adviser (media) to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly.