The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has given his assurance to the state’s citizens that the legislature will continue to prioritize the principles of democracy by placing the people’s interests first.
Danladi-Salihu provided this assurance while presiding over a one-day public hearing on a bill aimed at amending the “Kwara State Local Government Electoral Law CAP K32.” The event took place in the committee room of the Assembly complex in Ilorin.
The Speaker expressed his commitment to thoroughly examining stakeholders’ observations, contributions, and recommendations in order to refine the bill’s amendments. This, in turn, will enable the electoral body to conduct credible and equitable elections that genuinely reflect the desires and choices of the people.
“Our primary objective is to ensure that electoral laws are equitable and just, promoting democratic principles,” emphasized the Speaker. He also affirmed their dedication to addressing any deficiencies in the current system and proposing necessary amendments to enhance the integrity and credibility of local government elections in Kwara State.
The Speaker made it clear that the amendment aims to align the Kwara Electoral Law with the 2022 Electoral Law passed by the National Assembly. In their commitment to promoting transparency and inclusivity, they have made a priority of incorporating the input and recommendations of stakeholders from various sectors of society.
Engr Danladi stated, “We firmly believe that this collaborative approach will result in a more effective and efficient electoral system that meets the aspirations and expectations of the people of Kwara State.”
Critical stakeholders, including members of opposition parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the general public who participated in the public hearing, provided valuable contributions and recommendations. They urged the House to consider their submissions in refining the law.
In a related development, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Babatunde Muhammed, called for the Speaker of the House to suspend deliberations on the bill to amend the LG electoral law. The bill was transmitted to the legislative arm by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq due to suspicions that attempts were being made to alter certain sections of the law.