The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, Thursday signed anti-corruption, electricity regulatory and five other bills into Law with a charge to the people to embrace them for the progress of the state
In his remarks shortly after signing the bills into law, Governor Ododo commended the State House of Assembly for their patriotism and dedication, referring to Bills as “People oriented bills”, his spokesman, Ismaila Isa disclosed in a statement.
The seven new laws include:
A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and fother 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 a 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.
The Governor noted that the new set of laws will serve as catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of Kogi State as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people.
“These laws combined together can be referred to as the people’s Acts. All the laws have direct bearing on the lives of our people and this is the reason why we are here.
“Let it be known that under my administration, nobody 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”, Governor Ododo assured.
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.
According to the Governor, the Anti Corruption Agency Law will strengthen the capacity of the state to prevent corruption as well as investigate and prosecute corrupt cases.
“We have given legal teeth to the Agency to be able to bite corruption. This is a clear statement by my administration that we will attack corrupt practices and make it impossible for corruption to thrive.
“All lovers of development will frown at corruption. We won’t allow corrupt practices. I will give all necessary support to the agency to perform its duties judiciously”, he said.
Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making it possible for states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, saying this will help to finally resolve the power challenge in the nation.
“Mr President has finally discovered the path to permanently resolve the power crisis in Nigeria. Opening up the industry will widen the operational field and deliver more megawatts to the national grid.
“As a State, we are taking full advantage of this opening made possible by the bold policies of Mr President and I can assure you that Kogi is ready to play on the big State as far as the issue of power is concerned”.
The Governor said the Kogi State Scholarship Law is aimed at helping indigent students attain their dreams, saying his administration will continue to prioritize education.
“We have continued to prioritize education because we are convinced that education is the bulwark of development. As a student, I knew what I went through to be educated. Being on this seat has offered me the opportunity to support our students to excel in their educational career.
“I also use this opportunity to congratulate Nigerians on the Students Loan Scheme of Mr. President. We have a smart President who is determined to protect the poor and the weak. With him, it is obvious that our nation shall prosper”.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf said the Assembly did a thorough job and even consulted experts to ensure that when passed, the laws can stand the test of time.
He said the State House of Assembly is committed to ensuring purposeful legislation for the development of the State.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State House of Assembly and other top Government officials.