The Kogi State House of Assembly celebrated its third anniversary on Wednesday in Lokoja, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf describing the 8th Assembly as stable, productive and people-oriented. Speaking at the event marking the Third Legislative Session, the Speaker attributed the Assembly’s achievements to unity among members and cooperation with the Executive.
Yusuf said the Assembly had fulfilled its mandate of lawmaking, appropriation and oversight since inauguration three years ago. He noted that the rancour-free atmosphere in the House had allowed lawmakers to focus on governance rather than distractions, calling it a remarkable achievement in the state’s political history.
According to the Speaker, the Assembly received 23 bills during the Third Legislative Session alone, comprising 19 Executive Bills and 4 Private Members’ Bills. Out of these, 19 have been passed into law while 4 remain under committee scrutiny. He said the session recorded an 82.6% passage rate.
Cumulatively since 2023, the 8th Assembly has considered 76 bills in total, with 55 from the Executive and 21 from members. Fifty-nine bills have been passed into law, representing a 77.6% success rate, while 17 are at various stages of legislative processing. The Speaker said the figures reflect strong engagement with Executive proposals while preserving space for members’ initiatives.
Yusuf commended his colleagues for their contributions through well-researched bills, motions and debates that have impacted Kogi residents. He urged them to remain focused on constituents’ interests and provide purposeful representation. He also thanked Assembly staff for their professionalism and pledged improved welfare and growth opportunities for them.
The Speaker highlighted ongoing government investments across Kogi in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and workers’ welfare. He stressed that every road, hospital, school and social intervention was made possible because the Assembly scrutinized and appropriated funds for them. “The legislature holds the power of appropriation and lawmaking,” he said, urging citizens to also appreciate lawmakers’ role in development.
Yusuf praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s open-door policy and commitment to partnership, saying it had strengthened governance and accelerated development. He also paid tribute to former Governor Yahaya Bello for his contributions to Kogi’s unity and growth, describing him as the “father of modern Kogi State.”
As the Assembly begins another legislative year, the Speaker called for renewed commitment to service, accountability and transparency. He said the House would continue working with the Executive, traditional institutions, civil society and Kogi citizens to build a state where everyone has opportunities to thrive.
