Abbas Yushau Yusuf
The newly elected Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of States Legislatures of Nigeria Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y Suleiman has said that he considered his election as Chairman as a clarion call to the service of his dear Country which he said he is always ready and willing to answer.
He made the statement while delivering his acceptance Speech shortly after his election and subsequent inauguration as Chairman of the Conference in Abuja on Friday.
He thanked his Rt. Honourable Colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and for the great responsibility that is entrusted on him.
Speaker Abubakar Suleiman vowed that he will make sure all State House of Assemblies are digitalized in order to keep up with international best practice.
The Chairman who explained that when he held sway as Northeast Zonal Chairman of the Conference he liaised with some Federal Government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a view to digitalizing the State Assemblies pledges to to widen the horizon by putting modalities to digitalize State Assemblies that are yet to be digitalized so that all their proceedings and votes will be electronic.
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for signing Executive Order 10 which grants financial autonomy to States’ legislature and judiciary which he said will deepen democracy and strengthen all arms of government to deliver their mandate effectively
Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman assured the Conference that the struggle for the implementation of the provisions of the Executive Order will be collectively sustained.
The Chairman added that: “As you are aware, the legislature is the backbone of democracy, thus, its sanctity and independence must be protected.
“I want to assure you that I will work with you to further strengthen State Legislatures so that we can meet the yearnings and aspirations of our various constituencies and deepen democracy in our country. ”
On the recent protests and vandalism by youths in some States of the Country and the increasing cases of rapes and other forms of violence against persons, the Chairman said he will make sure all State Legislatures come up with holistic approach to end youth restiveness and provide opportunities for youths to attain their full potentials through legislations and stakeholding.
He also vows to make sure all State Legislatures enact laws to prohibit violence against persons and use their constitutional power to ensure security agencies are operating within the confine of the law so as to protect the right of every citizen.
Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman expressed his dismay over the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN’s exclusion of Speakers and members of State Assemblies from list of personalities that will be using Protocol Lounge in Federal Airports.
In Statement by Abdul Ahmad Burra the spokesperson to the newly elected Chairman said the Conference will write and engage the relevant authorities to ensure the anomaly is corrected.
