Governors in the South West geopolitical zone of the country have urged to expedite action on the full implementation of autonomy of the state Houses of Assembly.
The appeal was made by Speakers under the South West Conference of Assembly Speakers on Monday.
The full implementation of state Houses of Assembly autonomy and other agenda were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting held in Lagos.
While reiterating the importance of legislative autonomy as a cornerstone of democratic governance and the effective representation of the people, the South West Speakers expressed that the move will strengthen democratic institutions and ensure the delivery of quality legislative services to the people of the region.
The communiqué reads:
Communique Issued At The End Of The Southwest Speakers Conference Meeting Held At The Lagos State House Of Assembly Complex On Monday 11th Of September, 2023
We, the Speakers and Representatives of the Southwest Speakers Conference, convened at the Lagos State House of Assembly under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and with the aim of fostering collaboration and advancing the development agenda of western Nigeria, hereby issue this communiqué to outline the outcomes of our discussions and agreements.
Development Agenda of Western Nigeria: Recognizing the importance of regional collaboration and cooperation, the conference emphasized the need to align the development agenda of western Nigeria. It was agreed that concerted efforts should be made to address common challenges and explore opportunities for growth and progress in the region. This includes promoting infrastructure development, human capital development, and creating an enabling environment for investment and job creation.
Security Challenges: Acknowledging the prevailing security challenges in the region, the conference emphasized the urgent need for effective legislation and collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of southwest Nigeria. The speakers agreed to work together in formulating and implementing legislation that will enhance security operations, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. The conference also stressed the importance of inter-state collaboration and intelligence sharing to combat cross-border crimes.
Economic Development: Recognizing that economic development is vital for the wellbeing of the people, the conference emphasized the need to promote economic growth and prosperity in the region. This includes creating an enabling business environment, attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting the growth of key sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and tourism. The conference also emphasized the importance of regional integration and cooperation in achieving sustainable economic development.
Peer Learning and Reviews of Legislation: To enhance legislative effectiveness and efficiency, the conference agreed on the importance of peer learning and reviews of legislation among the Southwest states. The speakers committed to sharing best practices, experiences, and expertise in legislative processes, oversight functions, and policy formulation. The conference also encouraged the establishment of a mechanism for regular exchanges and capacity building programs to strengthen legislative institutions and processes in the region.
Review of Harmonized Southwest Rules and Standing Order: Recognizing the importance of an effective legislative framework, the conference highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the Harmonized Southwest Rules and Standing Order. This review aims to enhance legislative processes, strengthen oversight functions, and ensure the efficient functioning of legislative institutions across the Southwest states. The conference agreed to establish a committee tasked with conducting the review and proposing necessary amendments to align with current legislative practices and emerging challenges.
Election of Chairmanship and other elective position of Speakers Conference: The conference unanimously agreed to work on how come up with a consensus arrangements for the elective positions zoned to the region and provide maximum support for the leadership of the Southwest Speakers Conference and pledged to support and collaborate with whoever emerges as the Chairman of the Speakers Conference from the zone. Recognizing the critical role of the Chairman in promoting regional cooperation and advancing the collective interests of the Southwest states, the conference affirmed its commitment to working closely with the Chairman to achieve the shared goals and objectives of the Southwest Speakers Conference.
Implementation of Full Autonomy to State Houses of Assembly: Recognizing the significance of legislative autonomy in strengthening democratic governance, the conference emphasized the need for the full implementation of autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly across the Southwest states. Autonomy grants legislative institutions the independence and authority to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, and representation. The conference called upon the respective state governments to expedite the implementation of financial, administrative, and operational autonomy to ensure the unfettered functioning of the State Houses of Assembly. This includes granting them control over their budgets, staffing, and decision-making processes, in line with constitutional provisions and best practices in democratic governance.
We, the Southwest Speakers, reiterate the importance of legislative autonomy as a cornerstone of democratic governance and the effective representation of the people. We urge the state governments to prioritize and expedite the implementation of full autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly, thereby strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the delivery of quality legislative services to the people of the Southwest.
We, the Southwest Speakers, reaffirm our dedication to the development and progress of western Nigeria. We extend our gratitude to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for hosting this conference and commend his exemplary leadership. With a spirit of unity and shared purpose, we look forward to implementing the agreements reached during this conference and contributing to the advancement of the Southwest region.
Signed,
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa – Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo – Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin – Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye – Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji – Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun – Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly
