House Of Assembly Member Augoye, Says Serving His Constituents Is Topmost Priority

By: Akpovoke Otiti Asaba 

Honourable member representing Okpe State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief James Augoye, has said serving his people of Okpe constituency is his utmost priority.

Augoye  said that the duties of a legislator is to support and facilitates bills that will better the lives of the people and having served at the grassroot as a councilor, the task of reaching out to his people will not  be difficult for him.

The humble lawmaker spoke to journalists briefly after the inauguration of the 8th assembly at a reception held in his honour. 

Continuing he said;  no legislator can succeed without meaningfully without engaging the constituents. 

“We lawmakers always  have a special and indispensable place in democratic governance because we are  mandated to  represent our  people’s concerns most directly in the central government. Embedded   in the very concept of representative democracy is the idea that those who are affected by government decisions have a right to be involved in the decision-making process. 

“I will always and effectively engage with my  constituents for a  better understanding and to build enduring political coalitions and secure continued electoral success in my Okpe constituency. My people will be better equipped to expand their level of influence in these M.O.R.E Agenda administration as i will make sure my representation  elevate their public profiles and will make my constituents greater in their ability to control their own messages and speak for the truth at all times, rather than having their narratives mediated by party leaders, the press, or other groups.

“Engagement is also often the greatest source of personal fulfillment, and as a law maker I will  cease the opportunity for my people to make a tangible difference in people’s lives”. 

He said the House of Assembly as an institution benefits very broadly from effective communication with constituents as well and that, legislative solutions are better, more effective, and more sustainable when they are based on the input of the people they impact.

Furthermore, institutional capacity is significantly augmented by having access to independent analysis from outside experts and civil society organizations (CSOs). 

This Augoye noted, is especially helpful while law makers are still in the process of building up the capacity of their own research services and resources, and it ensures they are not solely dependent upon the executive branch. Having independent sources of information is critical for conducting meaningful oversight as well.