The Lagos State House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment to protect and promote human and socio-economic rights of Nigerians in the State.The House noted that such commitments are on the laws which were made to strive for transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in its legislative process to foster public trust.
The Assembly made this commitment at the Citizens Accountability and Rights Forum (CARF), a monthly stakeholders’ interactive roundtable on public policymaking and execution organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in collaboration with Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL).
The roundtable is aimed at discussing contemporary issues and government policies as they relate to the well-being of the citizens. The theme of the roundtable is, “Lagos State Environmental Laws: Implications and effect on human and socio-economic rights of the people.”
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa in his keynote address, said Lagos as one of the most populous and vibrant States in Nigeria, plays a crucial role in setting the standard for good governance and effective lawmaking.
The laws enacted by the state Government, he said, have far-reaching implications on the lives of its people, influencing their human rights, quality of life and socio-economic well-being.
Obasa, who was represented by one of the Assembly members, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, said the House passed into law the amended version of the administration of criminal justice bill on that account.
“The enactment of this law and its amendment have strengthened the justice system to nip in the bud incidences of police harassment of innocent citizens in the state.
“With this law in place, it is now an offence for the police and other security agencies to parade suspects in the state.
“Criminal proceedings can be conducted through audio and video conferencing platforms as obtainable in developed countries.
“Victims of crime are provided compensation and there is a Crime Data Register and a Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of the law,” Obasa said.
The speaker added that the state enacted a law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, as well as violent and fraudulent conduct concerning landed properties in the state.
He said: “We at the Lagos State House of Assembly are committed to securing the rights of landowners in the state against forceful incursion and eviction by land grabbers. And this is the reason we have agreed to hold a public hearing, involving all stakeholders, on the menace of land grabbing in the State.”
Obasa noted that enacting laws that prioritise social protection, economic empowerment, and sustainable development would create a more inclusive and equitable society for all residents of Lagos state.
He, therefore, urged all to remain committed to the principles of human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
“By upholding these values and working collaboratively with stakeholders and communities, we can create a legislative framework that promotes the dignity, equality, and well-being of all residents,” he declared.
Earlier, in his welcome address, President, CDHR and Chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran said the idea of focusing on the state government’s policies and activities and gathering people to discuss it, is anchored on their determination to ensure that the common man on the street is not short-changed by government policies.
He said they also want to encourage an all-embracing, all-inclusive implementation of government’s policies to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people of the state.
