Forum tasks FG on urgent steps to tackle hardship

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

The Conference of former speakers of state Houses of Assembly of Nigeria has charges the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency embark on initiatives geared towards ameliorating the myriad of problems bedeviling the country.
Chairman of the conference and former Governor of Plateau state, Senator Simon Bako Lalong made the disclosure while reading the communique of the conference in Yola, Adamawa state.
Lalong noted that the meeting reviewed the State of the nation, given the hardship being faced by Nigerians as a result of the economic and security challenges bedeviling the nation.
He said the conference is recommending to the federal government the needs to involve all stakeholders in bringing lasting solutions to the challenges assuring that the conference will not hesitate to continue to play its part in the effort of bringing security and succour to the people.
According to him, the Conference decried the falling value of the Naira and requested the monetary and fiscal authorities to find appropriate solutions to the challenges noting the need for prudent fiscal management, diversification of the economy, and the promotion of local production, entrepreneurship, strengthening institutions responsible for monetary policies and implementing measures to attract foreign investments that will contribute to stabilizing the exchange rate and fostering economic growth.
He added that while acknowledging the efforts of president Ahmed Bola Tinubu on addressing the ongoing security situation, the Conference emphasized that individual members should explore further ways of assisting the President and Governors in curtailing the security situation in the Country.
He also disclosed that the conference also noted that It is paramount to bolster collaborative efforts among security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering mechanisms, and engage in community-oriented policing strategies and investing in youth empowerment programs to address the root causes of insecurity, such as unemployment and poverty.
He further stated that on the rising cost of living, the Conference suggested that concerted efforts should be made to mitigate inflationary pressures through effective price control mechanisms, subsidies for essential commodities, and social welfare programs targeting vulnerable populations.
“The conference advised on improving infrastructure, particularly in transportation and energy sectors, that will reduce the cost of goods and services and enhance overall living standards of the citizenry.
“It was resolved also that the National assembly should reinstate statutory delegates for former Speakers and attention must be directed towards addressing corruption, improving healthcare and education systems, promoting good governance, and ensuring inclusivity and equity in national development agenda”, Lalong stressed.
Our correspondent in Yola reported that the one day conference was attended by the Governors of Adamawa, Delta and Ebonyi States as well as125 former Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly, some of whom are serving Senators and members of the House of Representatives respectively.