From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that inadequate funding of critical justice and social welfare institutions is hampering their ability to carry out their mandates effectively.
Kalu, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, stated this on Friday, in Abuja, at a with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme and European Union, on the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase Two.
The Deputy Speaker stated that adequate funding is the lifeblood of any institution, especially those that are responsible for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the welfare of citizens. Consequently, he stated that when critical justice and social welfare institutions are not well funded, the welfare of citizens, especially the vulnerable, is compromised.
Kalu noted that some of the legislations enacted by the National Assembly, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Discrimination Against Persons Prohibition Act, were necessitated by the need to ensure justice, equality, and protection of the most vulnerable citizens in the society.
According to him, “I am deeply honored to stand before you today to address two critical issues that demand our attention and action. The RoLAC Programme, which has been diligently working towards enhancing the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria, has sent us a compelling request for support in two key areas…
“Justice and social welfare institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that our society remains just, equitable, and humane. Inadequate funding can hamper their ability to carry out their mandates effectively. Without proper funding, the wheels of justice turn slowly, if at all, and the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens is compromised.
” The RoLAC Programme rightly seeks to partner with us in this crucial endeavor. By working together, we can ensure that our budgetary decisions prioritize the funding of these institutions, ensuring they have the resources necessary to fulfill their roles in society.
” We are presented with an opportunity to make a lasting impact by partnering with them. Our support and strategic collaboration can lead to a more just and equitable society where the rights of all citizens are upheld, and justice is accessible to everyone.
“I wholeheartedly endorse this partnership and invite the RoLAC Programme to work with us on the specific areas that we will prioritize for immediate intervention. Let us work together to ensure the successful implementation of rights-based legislation and the adequate funding of justice and social welfare institutions. Together, we can make Nigeria better for all citizens.”
Earlier, the Gender and Human Rights Lead, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Onyinye Ndubuisi told the Deputy Speaker that they seek to partner with the legislature to ensure that every Nigerian woman and girl live above all sorts of violence and violence is eradicated.
Ndubuisi suggested that the collaboration, starts with a legislative summit, where some policy documents around women and girls in the country are reviewed.