Gov Lalong addressing the delegation of House of Assembly Speakers, led by Rt. Hon. Suleiman in Government House, Jos.
By YUSUFU IDEGU, Jos-
The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who is Chairman Northern States Governor’s Forum (NSGF) has given his backing to the actualisation of legislative and judicial autonomy in the country.
He assured leadership of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of the commitment of all Governors towards achieving autonomy for the legislative and judicial arms of government.
Governor Lalong who received a delegation on Monda evening, led by the Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman in Government House at Little Rayfield Jos, said: “The issue of autonomy will soon be put to rest with the final engagements between all stakeholders holding soon”.
The Governor used the opportunity to clarify that autonomy is not just for financial independence, but also for strengthening the legislature and enhancing democratic values.
“The implementation of autonomy will require each State to establish the House of Assembly Service Commission, which will handle all administrative functions of the legislature and provide proper accountability just as there are Civil Service Commissions and others”. He said.
He advised the Speakers to engage other parties as well as educate the public on what autonomy is all about, because a lot of misconception is creating an impression that members of the legislature stand to gain financially rather than be better supported to serve the people.
On tackling insecurity, Governor Lalong said the implementation of community Policing is the way to go, which would gradually lead to state police when fully implemented.
On his part, The Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Abubakar Suleiman said they were on an advocacy visit to discuss the issue of autonomy and other National matters such as curbing insecurity.
He said: “The Conference recognises the strategic position of Governor Lalong as former Speaker and Chairman of the body, Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum and a strong member of the Nigerian Governors Forum who has been at the centre of discussions towards autonomy”
He assured the Governor that the speakers would continue to work in synergy with the executive in order to provide good governance and better living standards for the people.