Speakers and principal officers of State Houses of Assembly in the South West have expressed their commitment to engaging with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to secure full autonomy for state legislators across the country. They believe that achieving this autonomy will strengthen democratic governance in all 36 states of the federation.
In addition, the lawmakers unveiled plans to adopt an e-parliament system to improve transparency and operational efficiency. This commitment was outlined in a communique issued at the conclusion of a capacity development retreat for South-Western state assembly speakers and principal officers. The retreat, held in Ikogosi-Ekiti, was sponsored by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The decision follows the recognition of the Ekiti State House of Assembly as the best state assembly in integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by the Federal Government.
The communique, signed by Adeoye Aribasoye, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Southwest Zone, highlighted the lawmakers’ resolve to participate actively in the ongoing constitutional amendment process. They aim to ensure that the amendments result in rapid development and good governance across Nigeria.
Aribasoye, who is also the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, stated, “We are committed to reviewing the recently amended constitutional provisions to ensure their effective domestication and application in our states. This retreat has reinforced our dedication to strengthening legislative functions and improving governance for the benefit of our constituents.”
He further emphasized the importance of engaging the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to advocate for legislative autonomy for State Houses of Assembly.
Notable figures at the retreat included Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and Majority Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere.
