THE Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said inadequate funding of critical justice and social welfare institutions was hampering their ability to carry out their mandates effectively, and thereby compromising the welfare of most citizens, especially the vulnerable ones.
Kalu stated this in Abuja at a meeting in his office with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme and European Union, on the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, on Saturday, 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.
He commended the RoLAC Programme’s commitment to ensuring proper funding for these institutions and enhancing access to rights and justice for women, children, and vulnerable persons in Nigeria.
Kalu made reference to rights-based legislations enacted by the National Assembly such as Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Discrimination Against Persons Prohibition Act, saying that the legislations were informed by the need to ensure justice, equality, and protection of the most vulnerable citizens in our society.
Assuring budgetary decisions that will prioritize the funding of the institutions and proper oversight to guarantee that rights-based legislations were implemented, Kalu pledged the support of the National Assembly and strategic collaboration, adding that it can lead to a more just society where the rights of all citizens are upheld and justice is accessible to everyone.
