Owerri, Imo State – Renowned activist and public affairs analyst, Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis, popularly known as Olu Imo, has strongly criticized the Imo State House of Assembly, describing it as ineffective and reduced to a mere “rubber stamp” for the state’s executive arm.
According to Olu Imo, an alarming trend has emerged over the last six years where only 5% of the bills and motions passed by the legislature have received the governor’s assent. He condemned the apparent dysfunction, questioning the purpose of passing numerous legislative proposals that are neither signed into law nor implemented.
“The Imo State House of Assembly has become practically incapacitated,” Olu Imo stated. “Apart from executive-sponsored bills like budget appropriations and policy documents, which are signed within 72 hours, every other bill or motion from lawmakers serves only as plenary discussion material.”
He lamented the situation where lawmakers engage in what he termed as “plenary worming,” a process in which discussions and resolutions are made but have no practical or legal effect due to the lack of executive endorsement. This, he argues, renders the legislature powerless and undermines its constitutional role as a check and balance on the executive.
Olu Imo did not mince words in describing the Assembly as having lost its legislative independence and effectiveness. He pointed out that the Assembly now exists merely to validate the will of the executive rather than represent the interests of the people who elected them.
“What’s the essence of passing motions that are never implemented? It is a legislative theatre of the absurd. Our democracy is threatened when the legislature serves only as an extension of the executive,” he added.
Civic groups, political commentators, and residents of Imo State have increasingly echoed Olu Imo’s concerns, calling for a revival of legislative integrity in the state. Many believe that until the House of Assembly reasserts its independence and begins to exercise its constitutional powers meaningfully, the state will continue to suffer from one-sided governance.
There are growing calls for reforms, including greater transparency in the legislative process, regular public accountability reports, and possibly legislative autonomy, to reinvigorate the role of the lawmakers in governance.
As the debate continues, citizens are watching closely to see whether the Imo State House of Assembly will reclaim its mandate or continue to be seen as a ceremonial institution in the shadow of the executive.
