Protocols1. Today I am pleased to sign into law six Bills that affirm the commitment of my administration to good governance, transparency, fair and equal opportunity for development by all communities in our state. The Ekiti State Legislative (Fund Management) Bill and the Judiciary (Fund Management) Bill respectively essentially provides for the self -management of funds by the State Legislature and the Judiciary. These bills are proposed in furtherance of the Memorandum of Action and the implementation of the financial autonomy for the State legislature and judiciary, which was jointly signed by the Nigeria Governors Forum, the Conference of speakers and the National Judicial Council among others on 20May 2021. 2. The enactment of these Bills into law will codify existing arrangements between the three arms of government on revenue allocation. It will enhance the vision of my administration for a self- sustaining three arms of government that work as equals even if separately for the delivery of good governance to the people of Ekiti State. I should add that for us these bills are not simply about allocating or sharing revenue, they provide an opportunity for the three arms of government to constantly interface on how our limited resources can be best managed and how to grow the resources to meet the many and evolving needs of our people across the state. The improvement of the quality of life for all our people and the physical development of our state will be at the heart of this interface. 3. The third bill that I will be signing into law today in the Creation of Local Government Areas (amendment) Bill. This is a law for the creation of additional nineteen local government areas in Ekiti State. It will be recalled that this process began during my first term in office. Indeed the then newly created LCDAs had begun functioning before the end of that term. Regrettably this initiative was abandoned by the subsequent administration. We are now resuscitating the LCDAs again. Let me immediately say that the decision to revive the creation of LCDAs was not taken lightly. Aside from concerns about funding, there are many who have questioned the desire of our people for LCDAs citing the manner in which the previous administration abandoned the idea with little protests from the beneficiary communities. 4. I am of the firm opinion that the creation of LCDAs is necessary and important to the socio economic and political development of Ekiti State. While I recognize the concern about sustainable funding, it is my view that given the efficiency with which we have managed state resources thus far, we will be suitably positioned to lay a solid foundation for the take off of the LCDA. What is important at this moment is that the beneficiary communities of the 19 newly created LCDAs work with government to ensure that we make a success of this initiative. 5. For emphasis, achieving the efficient functioning of the LCDAs cannot be the exclusive responsibility of government. Beneficiary communities must see themselves as active partners in the development of the LCDAS. After signing this into law, the next stage is to formalize the institutional delivery of the 19 LCDAS. The State Executive Council constituted a Committee on the Implementation of LCDAs with the following members: The Honourable Attorney- General & Commissioner for Justice (Chairman); Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development; Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Development; Honourable Commissioner for Local Government Affair, DG Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery; Chairman ALGON, Ekiti State and Chairman,Local Government Service Commission. This committee will continue to oversee the process for the establishment of the LCDAS.6. The fourth bill, I will be signing into law is the office of the Attorney General Bill. Since the inception of this administration, including my first tenure, government has invested in the development of a justice system that provides fair and equal access to justice for all residents in Ekiti State regardless of their gender, ethnic, age, economic status, disability, religion or any other attribute. We have sought to achieve an integrated and efficient Ministry of Justice that provides professional legal and legislative services to the government and people of Ekiti State. Gaining the confidence of our citizens in the administration of justice has been a priority agenda for my administration. 7. Sustainability has been a reoccurring issue in the course of our interventions. Indeed the question of sustainability of our interventions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies within the state public service is one that we have sought to address through a variety of legislative and policy frameworks as well as strengthening our institutions. The office of the Attorney- Generals law will ensure that our interventions in the justice sector are preserved. Our goal is to make sure that successive governments build on what we have achieved thus far. Ekiti State cannot afford a reversal of the many progressive interventions of this administration.8. I am particularly pleased to be signing into law the Consumer Protection Bill. We have listened to the complaints by our people about the unwholesome practices that often characterize the sale of good and services in the state. The state government has at various times responded to unfair and unjustified increase in the prices of goods and services. The consumer protection law will promote and protect the rights of consumers in EkitiState. It is noteworthy that the law provides a framework for aggrieved citizens to seek redress against unfair trade practices and the unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. Let me use this opportunity to direct the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries to immediately put in place modalities for the implementation of this law.
9. The sixth bill on the the Economic Development Council seeks to facilitate economic growth and business competitiveness of Ekiti State by establishing the Economic Development Council. The objective is to promote partnership and collaboration between the public and private sector. In enacting this law, we have listened to many suggestions from 10. the private sector on the need for closer engagement and interaction with relevant public institutions. This law formally acknowledges the very important role of the private sector in the economic development of Ekiti State. We envisage that this partnership will create a more efficient business environment that will be attractive to local and foreign investors. 11. In conclusion I want acknowledge the constructive partnership between the three arms of government that led to the enactment of these laws. I commend members of the House of Assembly for the vigor with which they have set about the task of law making. There is no doubt that this constructive partnership is largely responsible for the many firsts that Ekiti state has recorded in the area of good governance. It is now left for me to sign these Bills in to law. It is my prayer that the purpose for which they were enacted will be met to the glory of God and for the benefit of the people of Ekiti State.12. I thank you all for listening.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON
Governor