Conference Of Speakers Of Nigeria Raises Concerns Over State Of Insecurity
…Supports creation of state police
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Worried by the spate of insecurity in the country which has made Nigerians to now live in palpable fear of attack, the Conference of Speakers of Legislative Assemblies of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to a matter of national importance, stand up to its primary responsibility of protection of lives and properties.
The Conference of Speakers also declared that the solution to the insecurity crises is allowing state governments to fully implement community policing and as a last resort, formation of State Police.
The Speakers Conference which stated these in a communique issued at the end of its quarterly meeting which held in Bauchi on Saturday, noted that there is insecurity all over the country to the extent that no one seems to be safe.
The communique which was read by the Chairman of the Conference, Hon. Abubakar Y Suleiman, insisted that something must be done urgently with a view to redeem the situation and make Nigerians feel safe and secured.
Commenting on the Constitution amendment, the Conference said that it has set up a committee to review the country’s Constitution with the view of contributing to the ongoing constitutional amendment debate.
It said that the terms of reference of the Committee include articulating and submission of the inputs of the Conference of Speakers on the review of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Conference also resolved that all State Houses of Assembly should ensure to pass the funds management bill in their respective States for effective implementation of the financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary.
It appealed to PASAN to exercise restraint on its struggle which has led to protest in recent times across the country thereby disrupting legislative process in the States Houses of Assembly.
The Speakers also said that a Committee has been constituted to engage the Association with a view to resolving the lingering issues that led to the industrial action.
The Conference commended the cordial relationship between the Bauchi State House of Assembly led by the APC and the Executive arm of government led by the PDP, noting that it is the height of political harmony for development of the people.
