By Aderogba George
Mr Rotimi Akintunde, a member of the House of Representatives, says the goal of the house is to build a framework that will pave way for sustainable development of the country.
Akintunde, the spokesman for the 10th House of Representatives, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the first International Anti-corruption and Climate Change Conference,.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
NAN also reports that the theme of the conference was “National stakeholders engagement for accountability and transparency in addressing climate change, energy transition and oil extraction licencing for sustainable development”.
Akintunde, member representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, said that the challenges faced in the realms of climate change, energy transition, and oil licensing were substantial.
He said that steadfast commitment, transparency and accountability were required from all to overcome these challenges.
“As spokesman for the 10th House of Representatives, I am aware of the significant role each of us plays in shaping the future of our country and our planet.
“Through our collaboration and shared expertise, we can achieve meaningful progress and ensure that the benefits of our efforts extend to all communities.
“The 10th House of Representatives unveiled an 8-point Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) upon inauguration. This Legislative Agenda provides a comprehensive framework for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of progress in critical areas.
“We believe that by adhering to these guidelines, we will foster effective collaboration and, most importantly, promote transparency and accountability.
“This approach is essential for ensuring that our efforts are both impactful and sustainable, ultimately leading to meaningful progress in addressing our national challenges.
“Two critical areas of focus for this conference—Anti-Corruption and Climate Change, are prominently featured as major priorities within this agenda,” Akintunde said.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, said that the engagement of transparency and accountability at the conference provided opportunity for exchange of opinions on how to deal with corruption in oil and associated sectors.
According to him, the Niger Delta today is riddled with cases of oil spills, pollution and damage to the ecosystem, adding that corruption was the root of all the climatic disruptions.
Olukoyede said that corruption could be reversed if we all embraced accountable practices, adding that such was achievable through compliance with laws and regulations existing in any system.
Mr Femi Falana, a Human Rights Lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the fight against corruption should not be left alone for the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to him, illegal movement of money threatens the survival of the people and that the fight against corruption should be a collective responsibility of all.
Falana called on the national assembly to stop wasting public fund on meaningless probe, adding that some of the probings had not added value to the development of the country.
He said that NASS should help the country to probe illegal importation of fuel by some people instead of directing its powers to meaningless panels and probings. (NAN)