In Kogi state, both the state house of assembly complex, the building that houses the lawmakers as one of the three arms of the state, and, the high court complex are now wearing a new look as both buildings have undergone rehabilitation with a view to making them befitting of their status.
Before now, the Kogi State judiciary building for example, does not in any way befit the status of the men of the bar and the bench as it was over taken by filth that cover the premises. But today, the story has changed for not just the good of the state, but for the judiciary and the entire workforce of the judiciary headed by Justice Nasir Ajanah, the Chief Judge of the state.
Good enough, the building has been rehabilitated and hence, can now be described as an area befitting of the legal luminaries and other supporting staffs who work in it.
From the entrance of the state High Court one will realise that the environment has taken a new shape with the aesthetic black layer, smooth coated black lanes across the premises of the court.
Indeed, the high court complex was a very rough terrain before now as it was an eyesore to a first time visitor to the premises, but with the latest efforts of the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, it seems everyone can now heave a sigh of relief looking at the present environmental changes in the High court premises.
Aside from the high court complex which has received facelift, the type that makes it at par with what obtains in most states, the state house of assembly complex is also wearing a new look.
Before the building housing the Kogi state assembly complex gets the current facelift, it may be recalled that member of the National Assembly who visited the Assembly complex recently remarked, “this is the worst Assembly in the country”.
The lawmaker’s damning verdict was as a result of the state of disrepair of the complex.
It is observed that prior to the facelift, the offices meant for the lawmakers were like dormitory, the cooling system were packed up, the sitting arrangement in the hallow chambers was a complete departure from other arrangement for other lawmakers across the country.
Perhaps it was with a view to providing a favourable working environment for the lawmakers that the speaker, Umar Imam, declared sometimes back that the Assembly must take a new shape.
It was gathered that the Hon Umar Imam leadership of the state assembly took it up with Governor Yahaya Bello who took up the challenge and decided to give the Assembly a face-lift.
As things stands, the assembly complex is wearing a new look as the offices have been rehabilitated, the gallery has been renovated, an office for the Assembly correspondents has been created and fitted with communication gadgets and the hallow chamber has been made more convenient for members.
Coming from the Hassan Katsina way on the expressway into the complex, the administration has shown that the third tier of government deserves a complete turn-around worth the look it now has.
The lighting posture of the chamber has improved as against the dark and horrible look it presented before now where members have to strain their eyes before they could read motions on the floor of the House.
When the Assembly resumes at the end of August from recess, members will no doubt be welcomed into a complex that wears a new look befitting of their status as lawmakers.
Credits: Sam Egwu/Leadership
