By Mumini AbdulKareem
T wo bills to prescribe the planting back of trees and prohibit the production, transportation and sale of charcoal in Kwara State passed through second reading at the floor of the state House of Assembly.
To this end, a public hearing to ensure all stakeholders’ inputs, to strengthen the proposed amendment has been slated for today (Thursday).
Leading in the debate on the general principles of the two bills, leader of the House, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, explained that the bills, aimed at protecting the state’s ecosystem, salvage the state from prevailing desertification occasioned by indiscriminate felling of trees in the state became expedient.
Members who spoke on the general principles of the bills, observed with displeasure that the state had become notorious for production of charcoal and expressed confidence that the passage of the bills will curb the ugly trend in the state.
Members also identified weak laws, lack of political will to implement the existing law, penchant for increased the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), uncooperative attitude of community leaders and sensitisation on the existing laws as factors aggravating indiscriminate cutting of trees and charcoal production in the state.
Responding, the Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad assured that the amended laws will address most of the identified inhibiting factors, pointing out that all inclusive stakeholders’ participation will go a long way to strengthen the proposed amendment of the existing laws.
Meanwhile, the Speaker directed Clerk of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Katsina Mohammed to invite all forestry officers in the state Ministry of Environment and forestry to a meeting with the legislature to answer pertinent questions on measures that will strengthen the proposed amendment.
Meanwhile, member representing Oke Ogun Constituency, Barr. Kamal Fagbemi briefed the House on the disposal of a suit in the Federal High Court in favour of the House, on the need for the Attorney General, to ensure that the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation enforce its Code of Ethics, while urging the House under the leadership of the Speaker, not to relent in its constitutional responsibilities.
