Member representing Oke-Igbo/Ile-Oluji/Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye, has said the National Assembly’s oversight function is aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in governance, not to accuse, intimidate or witch-hunt individuals or institutions under scrutiny.
Adefiranye stated this yesterday at the National Assembly complex after receiving the Most Outstanding Honourable in Constituency Project Delivery award at the 10th National Assembly Merit Awards ceremony.
He was among four members of the House of Representatives honoured for exceptional performance in constituency project delivery, alongside lawmakers from Ebonyi, Katsina, and Delta states.
Aside from Adefiranye, some lawmakers from Ebonyi, Katsina, and Delta states were also recognized for their outstanding record of constituency project delivery.
Clarifying misconceptions about legislative oversight, Adefiranye said it was wrong for anyone to assume that parliamentary inquiries were motivated by hostility or witch-hunting tendencies.
He said, “It’s a wrong mindset to believe that anytime committees of the National Assembly invite respondents to explain their activities, they’re doing so to accuse or intimidate them.
“Our core responsibility as lawmakers is to make laws and perform oversight on all matters for which those laws are made. It’s only logical that we check to ensure that funds appropriated are spent for the intended purposes.”
The lawmaker commended the existing cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms, describing it as essential for effective governance.
He lauded the leadership style of both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House for maintaining peace and cooperation among members.
According to him, “A constant fight with the executive is not proof of bravery; it is a distraction that can slow down development and government processes. If all the arms of the government keep fighting for supremacy, the society will suffer stagnation.”
Responding to criticisms that the 10th National Assembly is a “rubber stamp” to the executive, Adefiranye said such perception stems from public misunderstanding of how the government operates.
He praised the current legislative leadership for tactfully balancing cooperation with the executive and public expectations, even at the risk of misjudgment.
He said, “The leadership has been skillful in managing pressures from both the public and the executive. What matters is the outcome, sustained development, not unnecessary confrontation.”
Adefiranye also urged Nigerians to evaluate governance objectively rather than emotionally, noting that a harmonious relationship among the three arms of government serves the public interest better.
On his award-winning performance, Adefiranye disclosed that he had sponsored four bills in the House, two seeking to establish a Federal Medical Centre and an Entrepreneurship University in his constituency. He said his focus on health and economic empowerment projects reflects his belief that “projects should prioritize life.”
The lawmaker highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the Ore–Ondo–Akure Road as one of his major interventions, noting that it was initiated following his motion in the House.
He expressed satisfaction that the project has significantly reduced road accidents and fatalities in the area.
He pledged continued collaboration with federal agencies to attract more development projects to his constituency.
He said, “I will continue to use my legislative mandate to secure impactful projects for my people,” Adefiranye assured.
