The Conference of Speakers from the 36 State Houses of Assembly has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement sustainable policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
The speakers acknowledged the economic hardships caused by the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the exchange rate, urging both the Federal and State Governments to adopt courageous measures to ease the populace’s burdens.
Chaired by Adebo Ogundoyin, the conference also advocated for state policing as a measure to combat the rising insecurity in the country.
Additionally, the conference appealed to political leaders in Rivers State to find peaceful solutions to the ongoing impasse between the legislative and executive branches of the state government.
The resolutions, detailed in a communiqué signed by Ogundoyin, emerged from a meeting in Abuja attended by twenty-nine speakers.
The communiqué stated, “While the Conference acknowledges the courage of Mr President in his economic policies, such as the removal of petroleum product subsidies and the floating of the exchange rate, the unintended consequences of these policies are too harsh on the populace.”
Speaking at the conference, House of Assembly Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Mark Esset, emphasised the importance of state legislative autonomy in the ongoing constitutional review.
Mr Esset highlighted that this autonomy would be a key issue for the 10th National Assembly, underscoring the need for inter-parliamentary cooperation to advance democratic processes and promote good governance.
Mr Esset noted, “In this critical time that the 10th National Assembly is undertaking the review of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one of the key issues is the enactment of state Houses autonomy. The National Assembly under the leadership of Tajudeen Abbas is committed to making this a reality.”
He stressed the significance of inter-parliamentary collaboration, stating, “Through collaborative efforts, shared experiences, and mutual support, we can address common challenges and work towards sustainable development and prosperity for our people.”
The conference also highlighted the need for financial autonomy for state legislatures, calling on all stakeholders to adhere to constitutional provisions.
They urged the National Assembly, Presidency, and other relevant bodies to leverage the ongoing constitutional review to ensure compliance.
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The communiqué concluded with a call for all state legislatures to stay current with their Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) subscriptions, emphasizing the benefits of professional development and global engagement that CPA membership provides.
Mr Esset, reflecting on his experience in state legislature, commended the speakers for their commitment to legislative excellence and for representing their constituents’ voices.
He emphasised that by working together, the legislative branches could become more robust and responsive.
The conference resolutions aimed at fostering legislative autonomy, enhancing security through state policing, and addressing the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, mark a crucial step in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and governance.
