July 08, (THEWILL) — The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed 25 bills in the past two years, with 22 already signed into law by Governor Ahmad Aliyu and three awaiting transmission for assent.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, disclosed this to journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday while reviewing the House’s legislative activities since its inauguration.
Among the pending bills is the “Mandatory and Compulsory Premarital Medical Screening Bill,” which seeks to curb the spread of genetic disorders and infectious diseases among intending couples. According to Bodinga, the bill has received widespread public support.
He described the legislature’s performance as impressive, stating that the Assembly had successfully addressed its major legislative priorities within the period under review.
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to reconvene at any time when the need arises.
The Speaker highlighted other significant laws passed by the Assembly, including the Sokoto State Community Security Corps Law, which was developed after a study tour of states with similar initiatives.
Others include the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law, the Zakat and Endowment Commission Law, and the Tenancy Control and Safety of Persons Commission Law.
Bodinga also addressed the controversy surrounding the amendment to the Sokoto State Local Government Law, which extended the tenure of council chairmen and councillors from two to three years.
He said the amendment was constitutional and aimed at aligning with democratic best practices, dismissing opposition claims that it was politically motivated or targeted at the Sultan of Sokoto.
Another critical piece of legislation passed by the Assembly seeks to address the high cost of marriage in the state.
According to the Speaker, the bill aims to make marriage more affordable for young people, many of whom are currently unable to marry due to rising costs.
He emphasised the Assembly’s commitment to tackling socio-economic challenges through legislation and expressed satisfaction with the quality of laws being enacted.
Bodinga also stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for lawmakers to enable them to craft laws that respond to emerging issues and support good governance.
“Our focus remains on delivering laws that directly impact the lives of our citizens. The Assembly is committed to keeping its covenant of providing quality legislation to improve governance and promote the welfare of the people of Sokoto State,” he said.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
