SOB AGUNBIADE HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING TOWARDS A PEACEFUL CREDIBLE ELECTION. | Shakiru Seidu. "Report any abnormality", INEC Boss tells residents of Ikorodu.

It is unequivocally true that the ears that listen to a departure should get the feedback. This played out at the prestigious Ai Royal Hall, Aga, Ikorodu, on Thursday, August 9, 2018, where the Majority Leader at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. SOB Agunbiade convened the Stakeholders Meeting of like minds within Ikorodu Constituency 1, in a bid to rub minds together and dissemination of feed backs.

The four wall of the hall was full to capacity with the presence of HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Aremu Shotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC East Senatorial Vice Chairman, Hon Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Alhaji Taiwo Longe, APC Chairman, Alhaji R I Jinodu, Hon Ogunbela, Hon Azeez Olosugbo, Mr Ogunmosuwie Sanni, INEC Boss Ikorodu,  Imorodu, Primate Odugbesi, CDCs Chairmen, Iya Olojas led by Alh Taofeekat Allinson, Party members, among others.

In his keynote address, the Chief Host, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, after recognising and paying homage to Royal Heads, welcomed and appreciated everybody for their suport and interest in the affairs of the State House of Assembly. He said the theme, "Towards a Peaceful Credible Election" was picked on account of the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa in ensuring that there is meaningful representation and accountability to the people and also to get people's opinion and suggestions on INEC registration and collection of PVCs.

Agunbiade went on to mention some of the outcome of previous Stakeholders meeting, he said, "please be informed that since the last Stakeholders’ Meeting in year 2017, we have continued to improve on our law making drive and process by reviewing and amending the old legislations and initiating new ones where necessary, to meet current needs. To date, we have considered forty-one (41) bills and passed thirty (30) into Law which are effectively addressing various challenges and developmental activities in the state. The bills so far passed into Law since the last Stakeholders’ meeting are:

"Lagos State Cancer Research Institute of Law, 2017;
Lagos State College of Nursing (Schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health Nursing) Law, 2017;
Yoruba Language Promotion and Preservation Law, 2017;
Lagos State Cooperative College Law, 2017;
Lagos State Customary Court (Amendment) Law, 2017;
Lagos State Electric Sector Reform Law, 2018;
Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018;
Lagos State Teaching Service Commission Law, 2018;
Lagos State Awards Scheme Law, 2018; and
Lagos State Pension Reform (Amendment) Law, 2018.

"Some other bills are at different stages of legislative process.

"Through these laws, we have been able to demonstrate the commitment of this House of Assembly to the improvement of lives of the people and protection of properties in the State. The evident impacts of these are the on-going construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and other infrastructure across the State namely; the Ikeja and TBS BRT Bus Terminals, pedestrian bridges; disbursement of reasonable funds for youth empowerment by the Lagos State Employment trust fund, equipping of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps with operational vehicles; completion of Ayinke House at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and other on-going projects across the State.

"The laws, coupled with our vibrant representation, have continued to inspire other governments across the Federation and beyond. For these, the House of Assembly and Members have received several awards in recent times. Indeed, the Rt. Hon. Speaker in addition to having received numerous international awards was elected as the chairman of the conference of Speakers of Nigerian Legislatures in recognition of our deep democratic achievements. We are committed to sustaining the House as being above common standards of excellence.

"It is also worthy to mention that the House issued various Resolutions and attended to petitions geared towards ensuring good Governance and peaceful coexistence among the citizens."

Agunbiade went on to state that these achievements could not have been possible without the cordial and progressive working relationship between the Legislature and Executive Arm, the commitment of the All Progressive Congress Party, APC, and the cooperation and support of the people.

The articulate legislator further explained that the electoral process is one of the most important features of democracy with voters as the major stakeholders. He enjoined the electorate to have confidence in the process for them to participate as this makes government itself to be responsible and responsive to the needs of the people.

"We urge religious leaders and parents to contribute to the success of the elections by preaching against violence in any form, before, during and after the elections. Community leaders are hereby enjoined to embolden our people to always take advantage of their constitutional right to vote as contained in Section 77 (2), 132 (5) and 178 (5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended). It is the responsibility of every member of a community to encourage eligible members of their various communities to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and mobilize others to participate in the coming general elections." Hon SOB Agunbiade said.

Questions, requests and suggestions were directed to the Majority Leader and INEC Boss in Ikorodu LG, Hon SOB Agunbiade and Mr Ogunmosuwie Sanni about the challenges facing the people in registering and collecting of PVCs, which they answered accordingly.

SHAKIRU SEIDU,
CEO/Editor-in-chief, MegaXpression Magazine.
08099799530.