By Omolara Adasofunjo
A bill seeking to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution, establish an electricity market and key power sector bodies, as well as enforce consumer rights and obligations within Ogun State has been read for the second time by the State House of Assembly.
During a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, the State lawmakers took turns to debate the desirability of the bill, titled “Ogun State Power Sector Law“, .
Opening debate on the second reading of the bill, one of the lawmakers, Dr Babatunde Tella said when passed by the Assembly and assented to by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the bill would assist in improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution for the benefit of the people, while also making the rural areas to enjoy more amenities.
Corroborating the Sponsor, other lawmakers thanked the Federal and the State governments as well as the National Assembly for moving the issue of electricity from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list to allow the states to generate transmit and distribute electricity within their jurisdiction.
In a remark, the Speaker, Mr Elemide stated that the bill, when operational, would help to enhance the synergy among stakeholders in generating revenue without unnecessarily increasing tariffs while charging the bill to the Committee of Whole House for further legislative actions.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has invited the Chairman and members of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC to appear before the State lawmakers on the 3rd of September 2024 for a proper explanation of its activities and preparation for the forthcoming Local government elections, particularly with the proposed payment of fees by political parties.
The Speaker was invited in response to the presentation of the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye, who raised the issue of payment of fees by political parties as contained in the guidelines rolled out by the State Independent Electoral Commission preparatory to the conduct of Local Government elections in the state.
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