The Chairman, Conference of former speakers of state houses of Assembly of Nigeria, H.E., Rt Hon Senator Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, CON, By Adamawa State Governor H.E. Rt Hon Ahmadu Fintiri Held at Government House Yola on 17th Of Feb.
It is with great delight that I welcome you to this historic gathering and reunion of the Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (COFSSHA) holding here in the beautiful and serene city of Yola, the Adamawa State capital. It is always a thing of joy to reunite with one another under this special umbrella that binds us together.
Let me first pay special tribute and commendation to our host and proud member, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri for accepting to host us at this special gathering.
We are indeed proud that our very own is at the helm of affairs in this wonderful State and has opened his doors to us. He is making us proud as a group under his second tenure.
Before I go further, I would want us to rise up and observe a minute silence for some of our members who have passed on since the last time we convened.
==========[MAY THE SOULS OF OUR DEPARTED COLLEAGUES REST IN PEACE. AMEN]========
My dear colleagues, each time we meet, the opportunity is presented for us to take stock of our individual and collective achievements, reflect on our challenges, as well as review our contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Most importantly, we also use the meeting to look into the welfare and wellbeing of our members across the country.
Many of us have been out of office and also out of power for some time while others have taken on various roles in our polity since leaving the office of Speaker.
Being our first meeting after the 2023 general elections, a lot has happened to our members who have either been elected or appointed. We are happy to note that our members have continued to assume higher responsibilities in both elective and appointive positions.
Today, we have three of our members as Governors, namely, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
In addition, we have many Senators and Members of the House of Representatives as well as Ministers and others heading various agencies across the country.
This is a positive development that calls for celebration and consolidation. As our number keeps increasing by the day, we have to take very seriously the role that we have to play in engendering good governance, democratic development and service to the people.
The experience we bring to the table is so vital that we cannot fail to lend our voices to crucial national issues that have direct impact on our people.
This means that we must be united and committed to giving our best whenever and wherever we are needed. For example, we have to continue to encourage the strengthening of democratic institutions under the spirit of the separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution.
In particular, the autonomy of state legislatures should be of paramount importance to us based on our experiences.
During my time as Governor of Plateau State, I worked closely with my colleagues at the Governors Forum and the Federal Government to ensure the implementation of financial autonomy to State Houses of Assembly in the country.
Although it was a difficult task, I am happy to say that we made some progress. I was the first to grant full autonomy to the House of Assembly in the country and a few others followed.
Despite the fact that some speakers have attempted to abuse it, the legislative arm of government is largely benefitting. We must therefore continue to encourage all stakeholders to work for its implementation across the country.
You will agree with me that inspite of the fact that we come from different political parties and even varying ideologies, we must be able to unite and stand for issues that will encourage national cohesion, peace, prosperity and good governance.
This is because the good names and legacies we leave behind will continue to speak for us many years after we leave office.
Since our arrival in Yola, we have seen the great achievements of our colleague Governor Fintiri who has touched all sectors of the State with projects and programmes that are visible which the people are enjoying.
Adamawa State is today witnessing relative peace and security due to the proactive and consistent efforts of Governor Fintiri. His deliberate actions such as inclusive governance and strategic support to security agencies have made the State hot for criminals and crises merchants.
Similarly, we can attest to the fact that Governor Fintiri is a development-focused person who has spiritedly brought Adamawa State to the path of boisterous economic prosperity with monumental projects such as Agri-business and urban renewal.
The landmark infrastructural developments have become the most celebrated projects planned and executed by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for the benefit of the people of Adamawa State.
We as former Speakers are proud of what you have done and continue to do for the people of Adamawa State right from your first tenure. You have not put us to shame and we hope that our other colleagues will take a cue from you.
Your performances will also open doors for other members of this esteemed body to be trusted with higher responsibilities in the future.
I therefore want us to take this gathering very seriously because it affords us the opportunity to advise our younger colleagues who are holding forth as Speakers of the various houses of assembly in the country.
No doubt they are facing challenges that are different from the ones we faced during our time and they will need all the guidance, support and advices they can get. Some of them have very little or no legislative experience and are bound to make mistakes.
We should be able to guide and even warn them particularly if they seek our views. After all, they will one day leave office and join us.
As we deliberate and exchange ideas, let us listen to one another and speak truthfully to each other in the spirit of brotherhood and friendship that binds us together. God has given us a special privilege that we shall continue to cherish in the service of our fatherland.
We shall continue to go round the country to honour our members who have been granted special privilege to lead in various offices.
Dear colleagues, permit me to use this opportunity to call on all of us and indeed Nigerians to join hands and support our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has continued to pursue the path of renewing the Hope of the nation through policies and programmes that have been rolled out. No doubt, some of them like the removal of petrol subsidy have impacted on the lives of the people.
However, we need to give these policies some time to mature so that we benefit from the gains they bring. We as leaders should play our part in appealing to the people to support the Government at these challenging times.
Finally, I once again welcome you all to this grand reception hosted by our dear colleague and friend, H.E. Rt. Hon. Amadu Fintiri.
We shall ever remain grateful for this reception even as we pray that your tenure continues to bring peace, security, love and prosperity to the people of Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.
God bless Adamawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, CON, KSGG
Chairman, Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria & Senator Representing Plateau South Senatorial District,
17th February 2024.
