Ekiti lawmaker appoints 26 PWDs as aides, says participatory governance important

Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the house of representatives, has appointed 26 legislative advisers and assistants, who are people with disabilities (PWDs) to improve representation.

The PWDs, who are to serve as contact persons, were among the 87 newly appointed legislative aides.

The lawmaker representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) federal constituency organised a one-day retreat and presentation of letters to the aides at the weekend in Ikole-Ekiti.

Speaking with journalists after the retreat, Rotimi said the effort is meant to engage the people at the grassroots in participatory representation and governance.

He said the appointed focal persons are to recognise the importance of PWDs and ensure accessibility and representation for all members of his constituency.

He said  the appointees will play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and needs of PWDs within his constituency.

Rotimi, who is also the chairman, house committee on media and public affairs, said the appointments of the aides will serve as a channel for feedback mechanism from his constituents at the grassroots.

“We believe in representative democracy and participatory governance. I believe in participatory governance, people at the grassroots taking a leap and being involved in issues that affect them,” Rotimi said.

“I have focal persons for PWDs in all the 24 wards. I have legislative assistants in every ward to ensure that we have a critical channel through which feedback comes and we can also reach them.

“People have complained in the past about legislators being very far away from them. We are changing that narrative. I am home every month.

”I have ward tours, stakeholders’ engagements. Now, I have taken it a step further to take that financial burden of engaging 85 people.”

The new team members selected from across the 24 wards in the constituency, comprise 8 Legislative Advisers, 48 Legislative Assistants, 5 Constituency Office Assistants, and 26 Focal Persons for people living with disabilities (PwD), totaling 87.

— Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr. (@honakinrotimijr) March 31, 2024