The Oyo State House of Assembly has pardoned the Commissioner for Education, Science and Techology in the State, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela over the ‘vote of no confidence’ passed on him as a result of his conduct perceived to be disrespectful when he appeared before the House recently.
This step followed a letter of apology personally written and addressed to the Speaker and other honourable members to seek for their forgiveness over what transpired during the proceedings of the House on Thursday, 23rd November, 2017.
In the said letter with reference number Edu/9611/15 dated 27th November, 2017 titled: Re-School Feeding Programme, “may I refer to 23rd November, 2017 proceedings before the Oyo State House of Assembly and first express my sincere apologies to the Honourable Speaker and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly for what happened when I appeared before the honourable House with officials of my ministry.”
“I hereby withdraw any negative innuendos the House might have read into my comments.”
“I hold the house in high esteem and will not say or do anything to undermine the integrity and powers of the house.”
Some lawmakers in their comments after the Speaker, Hon. Michael Adesina Adeyemo’s speech insisted that the House was neither witchhunting nor on vindictive mission but to ensure that the integrity of the House must be respected and maintained at all times.
The Speaker had earlier urged the House to temper justice with mercy and accept the apology of the Commissioner.
Hon. Michael Adesina Adeyemo also hinted that the letter written by the Commissioner has vindicated the house, stressing that the House is committed to the course of the people of Oyo State and has taken the position of being the voice of the voiceless.
He enjoined the people not to see the House as a battlefield or an arm constituted to be fighting and exchanging words with other arms of government.
He said the House passed a vote of no confidence on the Commissioner based on his actions and the House has accepted his apology and put the issue to rest.
He, however, said that the House would re-invite the Ministry through the Business Committee of the house on a later date with a view to addressing it on the issue.
In a related development, the House has passed the Oyo State Meat and Abattoir Regulatory Authority and Connected Purposes Bill, 2015 Into Law.
The House passed the bill into Law after a report of the committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources was presented by its Chairman, Hon. Safiu Olalere representing Ido state constituency.
The house there after constituted itself into committee of the whole to consider the bill clause by clause before it was passed into law.
The house has adjourned its plenary till Thursday 30th November, 2017.
Packaged by Feyisayo Oladiipo
