Lagos REC to lawmakers-elect: Prioritise laws to improve quality of lives of ordinary residents

…As Commission presents Certificate of Return to 40 members-elect of state Assembly

By Patrick Okohue

The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Sam Olumekun, has challenged returning and newly elected lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly to prioritise on laws and regulations that would further improve the quality of lives of ordinary residents of the state.

Speaking during the issuance of Certificates of Return to the 40 members-elect of the Lagos Assembly at the commission’s office in Sabo-Yaba, Lagos with several politicians in attendance, Olumekun commended all stakeholders that contributed to the success of elections in the state, saying that the election that saw the lawmakers through was considered free, fair and credible.

The REC who said that there was the need to celebrate 20 years of uninterrupted democracy as well as increasing citizens participation in electoral process in the country, however said that there are about 16 petitions filed in the election tribunal and the commission is ready to defend its conduct during the elections wherever such is necessary at the tribunal.

He said that the commission had cooperated with groups and individuals who requested for one thing or the other.

Olumekun said: “Distinguished members, we want to urge, the principal task ahead of you is the improvement of the lives of Lagosians.

“Please endeavor to enact very vibrant laws that will improve the life of lagosians. Of course your past record is here, you have the tradition and you have been doing very well in the past. Lagos has always been excellent.”

Olumekun drew the attention of leaders of political parties in the state to the issue of low voter turnout, which he described as “very disturbing”.

“I want to urge you to mobilise not only your members, but even the entire electorate to come out and participate during the conduct of elections,” the INEC boss added.

Speaking after collecting his Certificate of Return, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who was elected for record fifth term and other 39 state lawmakers-elect, Obasa, commended INEC and other critical stakeholders, saying that the parliament would continue to do its best to ensure orderly society and improved condition of living.

“This is my fifth time of coming to this place to collect certificate of return. We have listened to what you have said, we have heard that we should represent our constituency adequately, and to show leadership.

“We are going to serve our people and the interest of our people. And we are going to represent them adequately.

“We are particularly concerned about the people and we are not going to forget that in everything we do.

“We have the interest of our people and that is the purpose we are going to the Parliament to represent their interest,” the Speaker said.

He said the assembly had done tremendously well, and that the ninth assembly will not be different as the ear and mouth of the people.

On the cost of executing elections, Obasa said that the nation had to be more prudent by looking for a more convenient and less expensive process that would be acceptable and credible.

“I agree with you that we have done well in our last election, we must improve on what have done.

“Everyone is important no matter what the status is. So, we must learn from this election to improve on incoming elections,” he said.

Obasa said that the Nigeria economic system demanded prudence, saying that the amount of money committed to the election was huge while other sectors were begging for attention.

He called for a more acceptable, convenient, prudent, truthful and protective was of handling elections, calling on the National Assembly to embark on necessary amendment that will be beneficial to the people.

He commended the National Leader of the APC, Sen. Bola Tinubu, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) members and other stakeholders who contributed to ensuring that the 40 seats were won by candidates of the APC.

Also speaking with NAN, Hon. Setonji David, a second term members-elect for Badagry Constituency II, said that he was excited and feel fulfilled to be given the second chance to represent his people.

David, who noted that INEC tried its best during the elections, said that people must also show interest in electoral processes to increase participation and deepen democracy.

Hon. Tunde Braimoh, a second term member-elect for Kosofe Constituency II told NAN that there was the need for INEC to improve on its conduct of elections.

Braimoh, who could not hide his joy for his re-election, thanked the leadership of the APC and his constituents for the opportunity, saying to whom much is given, from him much is expected”.

It will be recalled that the 40 seats in the Lagos Assembly were won by candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the March 9 governorship and house of assembly elections.

INEC had on March 29 presented Certificates of Return to the Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat at the commission’s office in Sabo, Yaba.