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Southwest speakers, principal officers strategise for improved lawmaking

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Southwest speakers, principal officers strategise for improved lawmaking

Speakers and principal officers of the six state Houses of Assembly in the South West recently gathered at the Ikogosi Resorts to elevate legislative proficiency and equip themselves with practical strategies for the development of the region.

The retreat was held with a focus on enacting common legislation to tackle regional socio-economic challenges and deepen collaboration among the state legislative bodies in the southwest.

The retreat held in collaboration with the CAVISTA Holdings Limited, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center, (PLAC), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office brought together Speakers of all the State assemblies in the region and their Principal Officers.

The lawmakers stretched their hands of fellowship to the National Assembly to broaden the interactive baseline. Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, were on hand to add panache clairvoyance to the event. This further laced the programme with high-level participations.

The lawmakers, at the event, identified some of the challenges impeding their legislative effectiveness and efficiency including financial autonomy, low ICT compliance, weak oversight functions, and poor recognition of representative democracy, among others.

They maturely restrained themselves from sulking over their challenges or embarked on brick batting. They rather engaged in intellectual brainstorming and proffered solutions that can bolster quality legislation. The lawmakers were only interested in putting the legislative arm on full throttle to deliver as a fulcrum on which the government rotates.

Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the Conference of Southwest Speakers and Ekiti Speaker, Rt Hon. Stephen Aribasoye, urged Nigerian lawmakers to be consistent in their passion to amplify the voices of the people they represent to reset the country’s future on the path of values and transformation.

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The Ekiti Speaker declared that the qualities of laws made by the legislative arm would form a solid springboard for the success of the country’s socio-economic and political spheres.

“As legislators, we occupy a strategic space in the governance framework of our country. Our work is not just about passing laws; it is about shaping the future of our communities and ensuring that the voices of our constituents are heard and represented.

“Our collective goal is to unlock innovative solutions to the pressing challenges we face in our regions. The theme of our gathering, ‘Strengthening Democratic Governance at the Subnational Level,’ is not merely a slogan; it reflects our commitment to driving significant change.

Aribasoye saluted the Speakers of the Houses of Assembly in the Southwest and other principal officers for their commitments to regional development, despite political differences and ideologies.

“Your presence here today is a testament to our collective dedication to improving governance and legislative practices in our regions. As we embark on this journey of learning, sharing, and collaboration, I urge each of you to engage actively. Let us challenge one another, share our experiences, and emerge from this retreat equipped with the tools and insights necessary to elevate our legislative practices.

In his speech at the retreat, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu noted that the Southwest Assembly Speakers have set an enviable pattern of expected political ties and synergies for the development of their region through the instrumentality of quality legislation.

Kalu highlighted the global complexities of the 21st-century economy as one requiring productive legislative synergies at the state and national levels, saying viable regional ties would positively impact the polity.

The House of Representatives Deputy Speaker added that the future of the country could only be better and positively impactful if all stakeholders strike a deal to work together regardless of political differences.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, eulogised the Aribasoye’s leadership for spearheading such an expanded discourse that will turn around executive-legislative relationships in the country.

Oyebanji opined that such a landmark convention has the capacity to strengthen Nigerian democratic culture and make it a beacon in Africa if sustained and promoted to a higher pedestal.

In their scholastic presentations, the former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and other experts at the forum took turns to share their thoughts on the kernel of regional synergy to national development and peacebuilding.

They said regional camaraderie among legislators should be one that will promote national unity, and not sharing of primordial sentiments that can exacerbate the existing crises and cleavages.

The communique issued, and signed by the Chairman of Southwest Conference of Speakers was explicit. It adumbrated 11- cardinal areas of focus they intended to explore to gain more relevance in the scheme of things.

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In fact, they sounded receptive to broadening the horizons of partnerships to tackle their challenges. On the front burner was the issue of autonomy. They restated calls for full autonomy of the legislative arm to engender better proficiency and make it a true hub of development through a quality lawmaking process.

In actual fact, this has been an age-long advocacy Nigerians believed would help boost their powers to exert checks and balances on the executive arm that is assuming a monstrous status too powerful to bridle. Under this context, they recognised the need to remove the snags, by lobbying the governors of their respective states for the actualisation of the dream.

The parliamentarians were also upbeat that the adoption of the e-Parliament System as obtainable in other advanced climes will shore up the proficiency of the Legislature. They advocated for a strong legislature that would be completely independent to discharge its duties without inhibition, as a way of deepening democratic order.

According to them; “We recognise the necessity of engaging the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to advocate for the legislative autonomy of our State Houses of Assembly. That legislative autonomy is crucial to the ability of the legislature to enhance democratic governance in our states.

“We resolve to implement e-parliament systems and processes in our various legislatures to improve communication regarding legislative activities, fostering transparency and accountability.”

The lawmakers recommitted themselves to giving priority to the ongoing constitutional amendments as well as ensuring that new constitutional provisions promote rapid development and good governance.

They added that they were fully and unwaveringly committed to reviewing the recently amended constitutional provisions to ensure their seamless and effective domestication as well as its application in their respective states.

The parliamentarians further amplified the imperative of allowing the people to continue to be the fortress of democracy by deepening the “rule by the people” concept, saying for this to be actualised, their representatives must be accorded respect and be fully consulted in the governance process.

They said: “Legislature can serve as a demonstration of pluralism, tolerance of diversity and dissent, as well as a place for compromise and consensus building. We commit to updating our fund management laws in accordance with the 5th Alteration of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.

“We commit to strengthen collaboration with media outlets and civil society organizations to enhance transparency and public engagement in legislative processes. We emphasized the need for ongoing training for legislators and parliamentary staff to enhance our legislative effectiveness”.

Southwest speakers, principal officers strategise for improved lawmaking

Related Topics:lawmaking principal officers Southwest speakers

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CBN fines bank found hoarding cash N150m

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3 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

CBN fines bank found hoarding cash N150m

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a N150 million fine on a commercial bank for failing to dispense cash through its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

This action follows an unannounced inspection by the apex bank, which uncovered deliberate cash hoarding and ATM manipulation by the erring bank.

Sources within the CBN revealed that the sanctioned bank was caught disabling its ATMs, thereby denying customers access to their funds while prioritizing cash disbursements to select VIP clients.

A staff member of the CBN stressed that the apex bank would not tolerate such practices.

“The Bank will not spare any Deposit Money Bank (DMB) caught in the act of hoarding cash or found favoring VIP customers over other customers,” the official stated.

To this end, the CBN has intensified spot checks on banks nationwide, exposing various illicit cash-handling practices by some unscrupulous financial institutions.

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For now, the CBN is imposing financial penalties on defaulting banks. However, according to the official, the next phase of enforcement will include publicly naming and shaming offending banks and prosecuting implicated bank officials.

“This fine is just the beginning. The CBN is determined to hold banks accountable for any actions that undermine public trust and the integrity of the banking system,” the official added.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the CBN has reiterated its commitment to promoting cashless banking in the country.

Another senior official disclosed that the apex bank’s management is intensifying efforts to encourage the use of electronic channels for transactions.

“The frustration faced by account holders is undermining our push for a cashless economy. We are doubling down on initiatives to restore public confidence in electronic banking solutions,” the official said.

CBN fines bank found hoarding cash N150m

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Three days to Christmas, food prices, transport fares hit the roof

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

Three days to Christmas, food prices, transport fares hit the roof

According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ,UDHR, Article 25(1), everyone has the right to standard of living adequate for their health and well-being, which includes access to food, clothing, and housing.

Similarly, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ,ICESCR, Article 11 emphasizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including sufficient food.

Furthermore, the Covenant recognizes the fundamental right to be free from hunger and advocates for measures both individual and international to eliminate hunger.

It is widely acknowledged that inadequate food availability can lead to health issues, as food is as essential to health as air is to breathing.

The situation is exacerbated by the rising costs of healthcare, which are increasingly out of reach for many due to ongoing inflation.

Difficult situations

In Nigeria, harsh economic conditions are forcing households into difficult situations, with many going to bed hungry due to skyrocketing food prices. With Christmas just three days away, our correspondents visited local food markets in Lagos and Abuja to see how citizens are coping with the rising cost of goods and services.

In the locations, buyers and sellers expressed their frustrations over the increasing prices of food items.

At Agric Market in Ikorodu, Mummy Somto, lamented that she had never witnessed such high prices in her lifetime.

She noted that a chicken that cost N15,000 last year now sells for N35,000, with only older layers available for N15,000.

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“What will that do for my family? We have never seen it like this in Nigeria. I hope this hope is the hope,” she said.

At Mile 12 International Market, trucks filled with perishable goods such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, cabbages, and other vegetables were lined up for unloading while eager buyers waited nearby.

When asked about the high prices despite the abundance of food, truck owner Alhaji Shehu, explained that the situation arose from expenses related to diesel, farm security, police and military checkpoints before reaching Lagos.

He mentioned spending between N500,000 and N800,000 per truck, which inevitably raises prices.
“This is our business, and we are not pleased with the high costs either. If I sell my goods, I still need to buy what I don’t sell. It’s suffocating us. I also commend the buyers,” Shehu added.

Bags of rice

Mrs. Bukky Osagie, a rice vendor at Mike 12, shared her concerns about escalating prices: “Last December, a bag of rice was between N65,000 and N70,000. Today, it’s from N95,000 depending on the brand. Traders are exhausted. People are buying half bags because they can’t afford full ones. They also need to buy additional items. How do people survive this trend? This has to stop if the government truly cares for its citizens.”

At Daleko Market, Mrs. Hannah, was seen pricing vegetable oil when she declared, “Whether the devil likes it or not, we will celebrate with our families and share love during this season. We will just have to adjust our spending according to our means.”

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As of the time of filing this report, a 25-liter container of vegetable oil was selling for between N86,000 and N95,000 depending on the brand.

Garri was priced at N56,000, while Ijebu Gaari was N58,000.

A carton of satchel tomatoes ranged from N8,800 to N9,200 while a pack of spaghetti cost N23,000.
70 grams of noodles were priced between N9,800 and N10,500. A roll of curry or thyme sold for N550 each, while small bulbs of onion reached as high as N200, making them almost unaffordable for many.

Christmas cheer

In Abuja, soaring food prices and steep transportation costs are casting a shadow over Christmas celebrations for many families.

The cost of essential holiday items, such as poultry, has surged, with chickens priced between ¦ 15,000 and ¦ 25,000, and turkeys reaching up to ¦ 130,000 in some markets.

Sunday Vanguard learned that rising feed prices, transportation costs, and supply chain disruptions are driving these increases.

Additionally, a 50-kg bag of rice now costs between ¦ 94,000 and ¦ 125,000, a significant leap from previous months.

Transportation fares have also skyrocketed, with transport fare from Abuja to major cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu increasing from 15 percent to 35 percent in the past month.

For instance, a trip from Abuja to Lagos by road, which previously cost ¦ 28,000–¦ 35,000, now ranges between ¦ 46,500 and ¦ 60,000.

Three days to Christmas, food prices, transport fares hit the roof

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Three Ogun varsity students die in auto crash

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

Ogun State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola

Three Ogun varsity students die in auto crash

The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed the death of three university students in a single-vehicle accident on the Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye Road.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, revealed that the victims were suspected to be students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.

The incident, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, involved an Opel car with registration number AAA-126 HE. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Adekunle Adebiyi, a resident of 5 Sunmibare Street, Awa Ijebu.

“The accident was caused by overspeeding, leading to the driver losing control and the vehicle flipping into the bush,” Odutola explained.

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She further disclosed that one male passenger, whose identity is yet to be confirmed but is believed to be an OOU student, died on the spot. His body was taken to the mortuary at General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

“Two female students from Olabisi Onabanjo University — Dada Oluwanifesimi, 18, and Miracle Daniel, 19 — were rushed to Love and Care Hospital but sadly passed away while receiving treatment,” she added.

The vehicle involved in the crash has been recovered and is now in police custody.

Odutola assured the public that further updates on the tragic incident would be provided and advised motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, particularly during the festive season.