By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Conference of Speakers of States Houses of Assembly, Thursday, met in Abuja including the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, to deliberate on issues of national interest, ranging from polity, security and economy.
The meeting under the aegis “Conference of Speakers of States Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, was held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Rt Hon Guwor who is the National Treasurer of the Conference, arrived the venue of the meeting alongside the Conference Chairman and Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin.
Communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Speakers expressed concern over the political crisis in River State and stressed the need for peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The Conference passionately appealed to political gladiators in Rivers State to seek peaceful means of resolving the crisis as both the Legislative and Executive arms of Government in the State for the common good of the state.
The body reiterated its position on State Police and urged the National Assembly, Presidency and other relevant stakeholders to leverage on the ongoing constitutional review exercise to give approval for State Police.
The Conference maintained that the worsening cases of insecurity across the nation necessitated its stand on State Police.
The Chairman of the Conference and Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin who spoke after the meeting, said all the 36 Speakers of States Assembly in the country, had expressed concerns over the spate of insecurity in Nigeria.
” As a Conference, we are strongly advocating for State Police to curb the lingering insecurity in our dear nation.
“We want National Assembly Committee on the review of the Constitution to list the issue of creation of State Police amongst issues to be considered, and we will ensure speedy passage of the amendment at our various States.
“It is long overdue and we need to act fast.” The Chairman said
The Speakers acknowledged the courage of the Presidency on economic matters, including the removal of petroleum product subsidy and the floating of the exchange rates, but expressed worry over the effects of these policies on the populace.
They therefore urged the Federal and State Governments to initiate sustainable economic policies with equal measures of courage to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
The Conference queried implementation of the autonomy in breach by State Governors, and appealed to relevant stakeholders to comply with all the provisions of the financial autonomy in the constitution.