Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Thursday signed into law bills to establish the Kogi State Anti Corruption Agency and Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The two bills were among seven bills signed into law by Governor Ododo at a brief ceremony at Government House, Lokoja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony event, Ododo charged the people of the state to embrace the new laws in order to move Kogi state forward.
The seven new laws include : ” A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and other matters connected therewith, 2024;
” A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board Edict, 1998 and other matters connected therewith, 2024;
” A Law to establish the Kogi State Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Regulate Electricity Generation, Transmission, System Operation Distribution, Supply and Promote Access to Electricity in the State through increased Private Sector Investments or Public Private Partnership in Grid, Multi-Grid and other Off-grid Electricity Option using Renewable and Non-renewable Fuel Sources in the State and other Purposes Connected Therewith, 2024;
” A Law to Establish the Kogi State Anti Corruption Agency and other matters connected therewith, 2024;
“The Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024;
“The Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency Law, 2024; and
“The law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency Law, 2015 and other matters connected there with, 2024. ”
In his remarks, Governor Ododo described the laws as people’s laws ,stressing that the assent to the bills are in line with his promise to lead with transparency, accountability and fear of God.
He said the new set of laws will serve as catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of the state as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people.
He said : “These laws combined together can be referred to as the people’s Acts.
“All the laws have direct bearing in the lives of our people and this the reason why we are here.
“Let it be known that under my administration, no body is above the law.
“This is in line with my promise to lead with the fear of God and to ensure that our resources work for the people of the state.”
The governor enjoined the people of the state, especially those in positions of authority to embrace the new laws and be familiar with their provisions.
In his reaction, Idris miliki Abdul, Executive Director, Conscience For Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) said the signing into law of the Anti-corruption Bill is a welcome development.
He also described the action of the governor as commendable.
“We hope the necessary framework and machinery will be put in place for proper implementation,” the Executive Director of the Lokoja based non governmental organisation said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
