EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, ANTHONY ENAHORO COMPLEX, KINGS SQUARE, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
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SPEECH DELIVERED BY RT. HON. ZAKAWANU GARUBA ON FRIDAY, 23RD   MAY 2008 TO MARK THE END OF FIRST SESSION, THIRD ASSEMBLY

Distinguished Colleagues,

Gentlemen of the Press,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 Today’s sitting marks another significant day in the life of this Third Assembly, which was duly inaugurated on the 5th of June, 2007.

As you are quite aware, this is the last sitting of the House to mark the end of first session of the Third Assembly, which as expected is preceded by recess.  At the end of today’s sitting, we would have made a total of 188 sitting days, that is (9) seven days longer than the constitutional mandated 181 sitting days per year.  Similarly, I am also glad to inform you that 13 days from today, this noble and vibrant House will be one year old in office.  Just like the way a viable and healthy company will cheerfully present their financial statement to their shareholders and the public by extension so also is this House cheerfully and happily presenting her success score card to Edo people.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN OFFICE
It is an open- secret that Edo State House of Assembly is the only legislative House within the South-South geo-political zone that parades members from the two major political parties in the country.  Presently, the 24 members of the House consist of sixteen PDP and eight AC.  Before Now, from 1999 to 2003 to be precise, Edo State House of Assembly had always been a one party affair except in 1999 when there were 2 members from the then APP.

That factor of having elected members drawn from two political parties was considered by many as a set-back for a vibrant and focused legislative arm in Edo State.

This judgemental view was probably based on the situation in some states across the country where party divide has led to crisis and taken precedence over oat of allegiance sworn to by Hon. Members, to serve and protect the interest of the people.  Fortunately, that factor has never posed a hindrance in Edo State House of Assembly.  Rather, it has continued to serve as oil in oiling the wheel of progress in the House and constituting an important segment of the House manual.

Without blowing our trumpets, I can say it loud amongst stakeholders that our one year in office has not only been a success but also an improvement in legislative matters in the State since the commencement of the 4th republic in 1999.

During the period under review, the House passed a total of Nine Bills into Laws.  As at date, four (4) Bills are at different stages of becoming Laws. A total of Forty (40) Resolutions were also adopted, touching on various aspects of the lives of the people who elected us into office.  The laws and resolutions are attached to this brief as Annexure A and B

Also, in order to strengthen the House in its oversight functions, the Standing Committees have been reconstituted and the number increased from twenty to twenty five.  I would at this juncture, appeal to the Chairmen and Members of the committees to strive to redouble their efforts in the Second Session because this House would continue, more than ever before, to rely on them in the performance of its law-making, oversight, investigative and educative functions.

During the session under review, opportunities were given, within the limits of available resources to Honourable members and members of staff to develop themselves through study tours, training programmes, workshops and seminar both within and outside the country.   It is our intention to create more avenues for more effective human capital development in the coming session.

Apart from these achievements recorded in the areas of resolutions and bills, during the period under review, the legislators’ quarters, which serves as the official residence of Honourable members received a deserved facelift and more facilities which include a 500KVA generator.  In addition, the main Gateway to the quarters was re-constructed to further enhance the security of the legislators’ quarters.  As part of the measure to guarantee flow of water, a water sub-station is presently under construction in the legislative quarters.  When completed, it will serve both the legislators quarters and the neighboring streets.  Also under construction is a massive drainage works that is expected to serve as flood control measure.   Similarly, utility cars were provided for House Committees to further facilitate their oversight functions.

I am equally glad to inform you that, while the House is on recess, a massive renovation will commence in the Assembly Complex.  Specifically, the renovation will cover the entire Assembly Complex.

So, by the time you are resuming, you are expected to step in to a new look parliament and offices.  I am quite sure these facilities will further improve our legislative business.

I cannot end this speech without commenting on the Election petitions tribunal whose verdict many had thought would weaken the morale of members.  However, I am happy you disappointed them by remaining focused and resolute in your legislative business.  Just as I earlier said on the floor of the House, Election Petition tribunals are a normal process in a democratic set up as enshrined in the Electoral Act.  As lawmakers, we cannot but show demonstrated respect for the verdict of the various tribunals.

Finally, I am seizing this opportunity to sincerely thank all members of the House for living up to House’s expectation and giving me all the necessary support and team work.  I equally thank the State Governor, His Excellency Senator (Prof) Osareihmen Osunbor whose overwhelming support was the fulcrum, which all the recorded achievements rest upon.  The staff, for their demonstrated dedication to duty; the press, for their accurate reporting of events and activities of the House and finally our most respected party leaders as well as supporters.  Your good-will support and encouragement for the House is appreciated.  The House needs them to add to its string of achievements in the years ahead.  The work of law-making and oversight functions is not a House affair alone.  There is a need for partnership between us for us to succeed in these arduous and challenging tasks.

Once more, I thank you all.  Moreover, may God/Allah is His infinite mercy bless you all.  Amen.

 

ANNEXURE B

RESOLUTIONS PASSED
Since the inauguration of the House out of many motions tabled for resolution, 40 resolutions were passed.  These are as follows;

  1. Resolution of the House Adopting the Rules of the Edo State House of Assembly, 1999.
  1. Resolution of the House informing the Governor of the State of the Election and Appointments of principal officers.
  1. Resolution of the House on the Adoption of Business Calendar for the first session first quarter, 2007.
  1.  Resolution of the House confirming the Chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission.
  1.  Resolution of the House calling for the amendment of Rules 56 and 57 of the Rules of the Edo State House of Assembly as amended in 1999..
  1. Resolution of the House on the screening of nominee as civil commissioners in the State..
  1. Resolution of the House approving Special Advisers for the Governor
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the State Government to establish a General Hospital at Ehor.
  1. Resolution of the House on the screening nominees as Chairman and members of Edo State Oil and Gas Development Commission.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the General Public to desist from defacing public buildings/structure with posters.
  1. Resolution of the House calling for the establishment of a micro-finance Bank in each senatorial district of Edo State..
  1. Resolution of the House on the Re-constitution of Transitional Council Committee.
  1. Resolution of the House to investigative the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission from January, 2006 to date.
  1. Resolution of the House on the petition submitted to the House by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Edo State.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on Edo State Government to upgrade Micheal Imoudu Institute of Physical Education Afuze to a full Fledged College of Education Afuze.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Authorities of the Eighteen Local Government Councils in Edo State to sink Borehole in all the Abattoir/Slaughters Houses.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the State Government to liase with the Federal Government to complete the on going Electrification projects in the State.
  1. Resolution of the House on the investigation into the crisis between the warring communities of Ewan and Akuku in Akoko Edo Local Government Area.
  1. Resolution of the House on the adoption of Business calendar for second quarter, 2007.
  1. Resolution of the House on the petition submitted by Tipper driver union on conduct likely to cause breach of peace and threat to life against one Mr. Gabriel Osagbova.
  1. Resolution of the House on the petition submitted by Mr. Philip Ighalo on malicious termination of his appointment.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on Edo State Government and other relevant ministries to re-awaken its citizenry on the need to imbibe Healthy sanitary conditions in Market/Business Premises. 
  1. Resolution of the House on the petition submitted by Mr. Osarieme Felix on the wrongful retirement and Denial of Justice
  1. Resolution of the House on the petition titled re-clarion for Justice on our petition on the true ownership of Bendel Insurance football club and the Insurance Football Club/forced removal from the services of the club by Mr. Igbinomwanghia Ekhosuehi.
  1. Resolution of the House on the adoption of the Business calendar for third quarter, 2008
  1. Resolution of the House for the restoration of rules 56 and 57 of the rules of Edo State House of Assembly, 1992.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Government and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of Oheze community in Orhionmwon LGA which was affected by windstorm.
  1. Resolution of the House calling for full scale investigation into the reasons why the fertilizer company at Auchi had not worked since its inception.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on Edo State Government Akoko-Edo LGC NEMA to send relief material to Ekpesa, ugbeshi, Afe and other villages affected by rainstorm.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Executive Governor of Edo State to provide Recreational Centre and Gymnasium in the Legislators Quarters at Ihama Road, Benin City.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Edo Sate Government to up-grade the EBS transmitters and provide modern F.M. Radio equipment for wide spread coverage of the State.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on Edo State Government and other Relevant Relief Agencies to send Relief Materials to Eidenu, Akoho – Irrua, Eguare- Irrua, Uwessan communities in Esan Central and some villages in Esan West affected by rain storm.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Chairman of Ovia North East LGC to appear before the House to explain why Disciplinary Action should not be taken against him for his nonchalant and abusive attitude put before the Chairman House Standing Committee on Security, Ethic and Privileges.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Chairman of Esan Central LGC to explain before the Honourable House why Disciplinary Action should not be taken against him for disobeying the call made to him by the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment..
  1. Resolution of the House on the Request by ALGON for approval to Appoint a Special Adviser and Special Assistants.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on Mr. Speaker for the extension of the House Business calendar for third quarter.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Executive Governor and Commissioner of police to intervene in the release of missing Hon. Calus Enoma Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
  1. Resolution of the House on the investigation into the murder and mayhem in Iyakpi, South Ibie, Etsako West Local Government Area on 11th October, 2007.
  1. Resolution of the House on the screening of the nominee for the post of a non ex-officio member of Edo State Judicial Service Commission.
  1. Resolution of the House on the Adoption of the proposed Business calendar for the fourth quarter 2008.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on the Attorney General of Edo State to take steps in filling a winding up application against Insurance Football Club of Benin which was used by Mr. Ekhosuehi I.G. to perpetrate fraud in the running of Bendel Insurance Football Club.
  1. Resolution of the House calling on EFCC and ICPC to investigate all monies paid to Insurance Football club by the State Government, in the sum of N78 million and any other sources of fund gotten for the purposes of Insurance Football Club, under the erroneous belief of Joint/Venture Ownership of the Club and bring the culprits to book.

 

ANNEXURE A

PASSAGE OF BILLS INTO LAW

  1. One of the outstanding bills inherited by the recent House which was reconsidered based on his merit was the bills that seek to provide and protect the Rights of Edo Child and other related matters, titled, Edo Child Rights Bill.

The bill which has gone through parliamentary processes to become a law awaiting the executive governor assent provides and protects the Rights of Edo child and other relate matters.

The passage of the Bill into law has attracted commendations from various women bodies, NGOs and other major stakeholders.

Other bills passed into law are:-

  1. A bill to amend Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. This law gave the Governor enabling power to enlarge the body so as to accommodate more eminent muslim scholars to further improve on the pilgrims welfare in Edo State.
  1. A bill for a law on Biodiversity Conservation in Edo State and for other purposes connected therewith. The purpose of this law is to protect the Forest  Conservation and Biodiversity laws and regulations are in operation in Edo State with particular reference to Urhonigbe Forest Reserves located in Orhionmwon Local Government Area as well as Gele-Gele Forest reserves located in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the State.
  1. Local Government Amendment Law – This bill intends to ban certain category of politicians from contesting the scheduled local government elections.

 

Law to amend the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2001.

  1. The amended law enables the board to now fully operate on full-time basis. 
  1. A bill to amend the law on Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The passage of the bill empowered the Executive Governor to increase the number of members of the board from 4 to 15. 

BILLS UNDER CONSIDERATION
Waiting bills which have been mentioned for consideration by the House include those seeking a law:

  1. To incorporate and enforce certain aspects of United Nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the National Policy on women and other matters connected therewith.
  1. To provide for a contributory pension scheme for employees in the public service of Edo State and other matters connected therewith.