Osun Assembly Passes ‘Not Too Young To Rule’ Bill, Step Down LG Autonomy

By Israel Afolabi

The State of Osun House of Assembly has stepped down debate on granting of autonomy to Local government administration, saying a public hearing would be conducted on the matter.

The house approved 10 provisions , stepped down two others and rejected three of the provisions in the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The lawmakers at the plenary, presided over by its Speaker, Hon. Najeem Salaam, on Wednesday brought the constitutional amendment issues for debate.

The speaker explained that the bill was stepped down to allow the numerous stakeholders air their view on the issue, saying the resolution of the House would be passed to the National Assembly through the conference of Speakers.

In a yes/no vote proceeding, the Parliamentarian  unanimously rejected provision for independent candidature in elections (  section 7, 65, 106, 131, 177 and 228); constitution alteration bill section ( 9) and period during which the President or governor shall lay the appropriation bill (section 81 and 121)

The lawmakers also ‘ stepped down ‘ the amendments on strengthen Local Government Administration in Nigeria (Sections 7, 318 and part 1 of the fifth schedule ) and abrogation of Joint Local Government Account (Section 162) for public hearing.

Speaking at the end of the proceeding, the speaker of the assembly,   said that  the two bills were stepped down so as to  consider the interest of the numerous stakeholders tied to the provision  of the  bill.

Salaam said the assembly would organised a public hearing on the two bills that were stepped down to get stakeholders inputs.

Meanwhile,  the speaker has  directed the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs to work out guidelines for training of the newly elected councillors at the Local Government Areas in the state.

The speaker , who noted that the parliamentary  local government was relatively new in the state,  stressed the need for councillors to be properly acquainted with rudiments of parliamentary democracy.

However, the House approved the not too young to rule bill,  alter the name of the Nigerian Police,  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps bill,  immunity for members of the legislature and the period within which Pre-electoral matter is to be determined.