Rotimi Akintunde, a member of the House of Representatives, says the parliament’s goal is to build a framework that will pave way for sustainable development of the country.

Mr Akintunde, the 10th House of Representatives spokesman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the first International Anti-corruption and Climate Change Conference.

Mr Akintunde, a member representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) federal constituency, said the challenges faced in climate change, energy transition, and oil licensing were substantial.

He said all required steadfast commitment, transparency and accountability to overcome these challenges.

“As spokesman for the 10th House of Representatives, I am aware of the significant role each of us plays in shaping the future of our country and our planet. Through our collaboration and shared expertise, we can achieve meaningful progress and ensure that the benefits of our efforts extend to all communities.

“The 10th House of Representatives unveiled an 8-point Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) upon inauguration. This Legislative Agenda provides a comprehensive framework for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of progress in critical areas.

“Two critical areas of focus for this conference—Anti-Corruption and Climate Change, are prominently featured as major priorities within this agenda,” Mr Akintunde said.

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, said that the engagement of transparency and accountability at the conference provided an opportunity to exchange opinions on how to deal with corruption in the oil and associated sectors.

According to him, the Niger Delta is riddled with cases of oil spills, pollution and damage to the ecosystem, adding that corruption was the root of all the climatic disruptions.

Mr Olukoyede said that corruption could be reversed if we all embraced accountable practices, adding that such was achievable through compliance with laws and regulations in any system.

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, said the fight against corruption should not be left alone for the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

According to him, illegal movement of money threatens the survival of the people and that the fight against corruption should be a collective responsibility of all.

Mr Falana called on the national assembly to stop wasting public funds on meaningless probes, adding that some of the probings had not added value to the country’s development.

(NAN)