Date: 2018-08-01

A Bill for a law to establish Kwara State Public Procurement Agency, to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in governance,in the state, has been finally passed by the state House of Assembly.

Under the law, all contracts to be executed by the state government are now to be moderated by the agency. The law equally now makes it mandatory, that certain percentage of local content of any projects to be executed, must be handled by artisans and local contractors in the state.

The Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad, while directing the Clerk of the House, Hajia Halimat Jummai Kperogi to prepare clean copy, for Governor's assent, described the passage of the bill, as revolutionary, in the state.

Dr. Ahmad, expressed delight that the passage of the bill, would strengthen the crusade against corrupt practices, in the area of procurement.

The Bill according to him,would equally empower indigenous contractors and ensure in checking increasing rate of joblessness in the state.

He then praised members of the joint committee and staff of the secretariat, for carrying out a thorough assignment on the bill,and enjoined the federal government, to embrace the law,in fighting against corruption, instead of using ICPC, EFCC,in persecuting perceived political opponents, in the country.

The House equally urged the state government,to urgently provide palliatives for the collapsed bridges linking Ijagbo and Ipee as well as erosion ravaged Odo-Atan Community in Oyun Local Government Area, to alleviate the hardship being encountered by the people of the affected communities, following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by member representing Oke Ogun Constituency, Barrister Kamal Fagbemi, at the floor of the House.

Meanwhile, the Legislature has directed its joint committee on Public Petitions and Ethics, Privileges and Judiciary, to thoroughly investigate petitions against member representing Ojomu/ Balogun Constituency, Hon. Saheed Popoola, on alleged forged result and issuance of dud cheques by Dr. Ahmed, Tajudeen Ahmed and Abubakar Olusola.

The Speaker, while commenting on the petitions, disclosed that though the petitioners, requested the House, to suspend the legislator, said the state was noted for law and order and assured that thorough investigation and justice would be done, to the petitions to avoid miscarriage of justice.