Protocols
As I am introduced, I am here in this meeting wearing two caps. I am a bona-fide member of EBF. I was once the 2nd Vice President of NBA as a result of the election, nomination and support of EBF. I will never forget that history. Most of those who made that possible are still alive and they are present in this meeting.
I am here also to represent the President of the Senate, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio CON who incidentally promised to be here in this meeting but unfortunately had to travel to Tanzania on an official engagement being a board member of International Parliamentary Union. They are meeting in Tanzania which meeting is ongoing. He sends his profuse apologies gentlemen and hopes that in future meeting he will be able to be present physically. It is a prayer point and we pray so.
He has given me his keynote address which if you permit me I want to read.it quickly. It is not much and I will do that in a jiffy.
KEY NOTE Speech by His Excellency Godswill Akpabio CON, Senate President of Nigeria
Topic: Contemporary Challenges: Exploring Legal and Legislative Solutions to Economic Crisis and Insecurity in Nigeria.
Distinguished colleagues, I feel deeply honoured to be invited as Keynote Speaker in your event holding in my State of Akwa Ibom.
Before I delve into the subject of my keynote address, I have few words about Eastern Bar Forum, the organisers of this event of today. Your group consist of prominent group of lawyers from the old South-Eastern region of Nigeria with aims to promote legal excellence and professionalism among its members. This you do through continuous legal education, ethical practice, and adherence to the highest standards of the legal profession.
You are also committed to advocating for justice, human rights, the rule of law and ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
Most importantly is the idea of Regional Development and Integration. The EBF seeks to contribute to the development and integration of the old South-East region. This involves engaging and fostering professional growth, and promoting social cohesion among the people of the region especially the lawyers of the old region. Not forgetting the professional networking and support, the forum provides for lawyers in the region to network, share knowledge, and support each other. This professional friendship helps in building a strong and united legal community within the region.
I understand that this singular initiative of the Eastern Bar Forum has been copied by other regional blocks that today we have Egbe Amofin lawyers, Arewa Lawyers Forum and Mid-West Bar Forum. From the grapevine I understand that your Forum is arguably the most organised too and i am sure that this will be debatable as other fora may not agree with this.
As stated earlier i feel deeply honored to deliver the keynote speech. I am fully aware of the weight of the topic I am asked to address. The issues of economic crisis and insecurity are not just headlines; they are the realities that our people face daily. As representatives of the Nigerian people, it is our duty to not only acknowledge these challenges but to actively seek and implement solutions that will secure a better future for our nation.
Nigeria, with its vast resources and resilient population, has the potential to overcome these challenges. However, achieving this requires a comprehensive approach, blending legal reforms and legislative actions that can address the root causes of our economic and security problems.
Our economy has faced significant hurdles, from fluctuating oil prices to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To navigate these turbulent waters, we are required to take decisive legislative steps:
Foremost in the list of steps to be taken is the diversification of the economy. We must pass laws that promote and incentivize investment in non-oil sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. This will reduce our over-reliance on oil and create a more stable economic foundation. The 10th Assembly in which I am the Chairman is poised in that direction. Already in these areas are bills that are either at the first reading, second reading or at the committee stage in the two Chambers of the National Assembly.
Secondly, strengthening anti-corruption measures remains a significant incentive to economic growth. We need stronger anti-corruption laws and better enforcement mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. The recent appointment of the chairmen of EFCC AND ICPC attests to the seriousness of the present government in tackling the menace of corruption in the private and public sectors. Where necessary their various laws will be tinkered with to fine tune them for the present realities in terms of the fight against economic malfeasance.
At the economic front burner, is adequate support for Small and Medium Sized Economic Enterprises ( SMEs) which are the backbone of our economy. By enacting laws that provide easier access to credit, reduce regulatory burdens, and offer tax incentives, we can foster an environment where these businesses can thrive. The economic effect of these measures is boom in employment opportunities that will remove jobless Youths from the streets and reduce crime and boost growth and development.
Finally but not limited to these aforementioned points alone, Infrastructural development must also be given a place of priority. Legislative support for infrastructure projects, including transportation, power, and digital infrastructure, is crucial. These projects not only create jobs but also enhance the overall economic productivity of the country. Various bills are undergoing processing in this direction by the 10th Assembly.
Let us talk about Insecurity gentlemen.
Insecurity, in its various forms, poses a grave threat to our national stability and development. From terrorism to banditry and communal conflicts, we must agree to confront these issues with a robust legal framework.
One of the ways is by strengthening the criminal justice system. We need to overhaul our criminal justice system to ensure swift and fair trials. This includes updating outdated laws, improving police training, and ensuring better coordination between law enforcement agencies. You will recall the recent initiatives of the Attorney General of the Federation, Hon Lateef Fagbemi SAN on reforming our justice system generally. I presented a paper in which I suggested several legal reforms on execution of court judgements, court delays and abuse of ex parte orders. We are working hand in hand with the Executive to receive bills on the suggested comprehensive reforms and we shall not hesitate to pass those bills that will aid the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Already you are aware that we have ensured that the Supreme Court of Nigeria now has a full complement of 21 Justices of the Supreme Court and that salaries and allowances of judges are undergoing positive reviews with a view for an upward increase. These measures will go a long way in improving a quicker and surer dispensation of Justice in the largest black nation in the world.
Still on security, encouraging and legislating on State Policing, Community Policing and supporting local security initiatives will help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Already there is a consensus amongst all the stakeholders in the business of security and law enforcement protocol that the state policing is inevitable in the next constitutional amendment. The only caveat is to ensure adequate legal safeguards that will mitigate inherent abuse in the hands of any power drunk politician at the State level. These legal measures must be provided if we are not going to fall prey to creating a monster while in the bid of securing our lives and properties.
It is also important that our laws must be adaptive to the evolving nature of terrorism and insurgency which have been troubling our dear country.. This involves not only military strategies but also addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel these threats. We must pass laws that support education and welfare programs for the citizens, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve the welfare of our security personnel.
Finally issues of human rights and social justice demand our focused attention. It is essential that our security measures do not infringe on the human rights of our citizens. Legislation must ensure that security operations are conducted within the bounds of the law, respecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
To achieve these goals as elaboratively enumerated above, collaboration across all levels of government and with various stakeholders is paramount. The executive, judiciary, and legislature must work in unison to ensure that our laws are not only enacted but effectively implemented. Furthermore, engaging civil societies of which EBF is part, the private sector, and the international community will provide the additional support and resources needed to tackle these challenges comprehensively.
In conclusion, the challenges we face today are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With a determined legislative agenda, we can create the legal framework necessary to foster economic stability and ensure the security of our nation. We must commit to this path with unwavering resolve, knowing that the future of Nigeria rests on the decisions we make today.
It is also important we point it out that having a functional local government administration will go a long way in addressing some of the pressing challenges like economic crisis and insecurities in Nigeria. The local government which is the third tier of government in Nigeria must be allowed to breath. While I was a governor in this State between 2007 to 2015, the local government administration in the state had autonomy both financially and administratively and they performed creditably well that made governance of those years to remain uncommon. This assertion is verifiable.
Therefore allowing a functional local government administration can lead to significant improvements in both economic and security landscapes in Nigeria. Local governments, with their proximity to the people and better understanding of local issues, can implement tailored solutions that drive economic growth and enhance security. This decentralization of power and resources not only empowers local authorities but also fosters a more inclusive and resilient national development strategy. It is my contention that we must address our challenges squarely and religiously with every tier of government and they must be allowed to operate and perform optimally.
Again it is my candid belief that together, we can build a Nigeria that is prosperous, secure, and just for all its citizens.
Once again thank you EBF for inviting me and for giving me the opportunity to share these few thoughts of mine with important group like yours. Believe me that Nigeria of President Bola Tinubu with Renewed Hope Agenda is on safe hands. The present hardship generally is temporal. The bright tunnel and days are around the corner. Let us keep our faith ALIVE.
Thank you and God Bless Nigeria.
His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio CON
Senate President of Nigeria.
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