The Conference of Speakers of State of Legislative of Nigeria has urged the federal and state governments to initiate sustainable policies that will eliminate poverty and improve citizens’ standard of living.

The speakers made this advocacy in a communique issued at the end of their general meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by the conference’s chairman, Adebo Ogundoyin.

Mr Ogundoyin acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s courage regarding the economic policies made so far, such as removing petroleum product subsidies and floating the exchange rate.

He said, however, the unintended consequences of the policies were harsh on the citizens.

Mr Ogundoyin said, “The conference observed that in spite of the constitutional provisions that grant financial autonomy to the state legislature, the implementation has been observed in breach.

“We, therefore, call on all the relevant stakeholders to comply with all the provisions in the Constitution and not by breach.”

Mr Ogundoyin sued for peace as the political crisis in Rivers raged.

He stated, “We want to appeal to the relevant political leaders in Rivers to explore peaceful means to resolve the near impasse situation between the legislative and executive arms of the government of the state.’’

He said the conference was in support of establishing state police to combat the country’s deluge of security challenges.

“We also want state police to check the negative trend of insecurity in our country,” he said.

Mr Ogundoyin appealed to the National Assembly, Presidency, and other relevant stakeholders to use the ongoing constitution review to promote national cohesion and development.

(NAN)