In a recent interview, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, representing Calabar Municipality in the Cross River State House of Assembly, provided an in-depth reflection on his legislative journey and the initiatives he has championed to enhance the lives of his constituents. Having exhausted 13th anniversaries in public service, Nsemo’s commitment to pragmatic governance and community engagement remains evident NEGROIDHAVEN got to confirm.
Legislative Focus: Modernizing Existing Laws
Upon assuming office, Hon. Nsemo prioritized the modernization of existing legislation over the creation of new laws. He observed, “One of the first things I did… was that I would not go and create new laws just for creating. What I found is that a lot of laws that we have… those laws have already been created. It is the political will to actually enforce those laws.” He emphasized that many current issues stem from a lack of political will and public compliance rather than the absence of legislation. However the member detailed his involvement in several significant bills:
– ICT Development Agency Bill: This bill seeks to expand Information and Communication Technology development across the state and explore monetization strategies in collaboration with the private sector.
– Green Economy Commission Bill: Designed to mitigate environmental risks, address ecological scarcities, and promote sustainable economic growth, this bill was passed into law approximately four months ago.
– Fire Service Amendment Bill 2024: This amendment aims to enhance the efficiency of the state’s fire services, updating the existing law from 2004 to meet current challenges.
Addressing Erosion and Environmental Concerns
Calabar’s unique soil composition has led to significant erosion challenges, adversely affecting numerous communities. Nsemo has been proactive in addressing these environmental issues, stating, “I’m a bit more given to motions that affect people’s daily lives… I’ve been very hands-on with erosion control in Calabar.” Collaborating closely with the state government, he has initiated efforts to mitigate erosion, starting from Nassarawa community and extending towards the city center.
Reviving Bursary Programs for Students
Understanding the financial burdens faced by students, Hon. Nsemo is actively working to reinstate bursary programs that have been dormant for years. He is “working with a few of the student groups to see how we can talk about bursary… doing the lobbying part of it… speaking with the state government and key officials to see how we can bring bursary back to the state.” This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support to students, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits.
Housing Reforms: Protecting Tenants’ Rights
As the Chairman of the Committee on Lands and Housing, Nsemo is spearheading reforms to safeguard tenants from exploitative practices. He highlighted an upcoming motion designed to “help the common man avoid being charged two years’ rent anytime they’re trying to get a house… see how we can cut that down to one year and make that the law because of the state.” Additionally, he aims to regulate agents’ fees to prevent the exploitation of prospective tenants.
Taxation Relief for Market Women and Transport Operators
Recognizing the economic strain of excessive taxation on market women and transport operators, Nsemo has “fought very hard… to reduce the taxation in Cross River state and Calabar in general… the taxation of the market women and the different transportation systems.” These efforts have successfully alleviated some of the financial pressures on these vital sectors, with plans to extend these relief measures further in the coming year.
Facilitating Employment Opportunities
In the realm of representation, Hon. Nsemo has made significant strides in job placement for his constituents. Following the state government’s recent lifting of the embargo on appointments, he noted, “We’ve been able to, at least in the local government, take about 25 people from the municipality.” Beyond state appointments, he is leveraging his connections at the federal level, frequently traveling to Abuja to explore employment opportunities within the federal civil service for his constituents.
Community Engagement and Accessibility
Hon. Nsemo emphasizes the importance of being accessible to his constituents. He shared, “I go to my office every day, from 10 o’clock, I’m there till from 10 to five, six. After that, I find time to go to the different wards… to see whatever issues.” Despite the challenges of representing a large population, he strives to balance his availability with the demands of his role, acknowledging the financial implications of constant accessibility.
Oversight Functions and Committee Roles
As Chairman of the Committee on Lands and Housing, Nsemo has worked to harmonize relationships between the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Housing, and other relevant agencies. He noted, “One of the things I’ve been able to do… is to harmonize and make sure that the working relationship between the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Housing, and the other MDAs in that sector have a good working relationship.” He is also planning an “open house” event to provide the public with direct access to information and services related to land and housing.
Power Generation and Distribution
The lawmaker highlighted the complexities in the state’s power sector, particularly the issues surrounding the generation and distribution of electricity. He emphasized that while the state has made efforts to generate power, challenges persist in distribution and monetization. The existing laws favor distribution companies (DISCOs), creating hurdles for state and private entities in the power sector. His words, “The problem with the generation of power is not so much the generation; it’s the distribution and how to monetize it.”
To address this, the House is currently studying the recent federal law that moved power generation from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list. This study aims to create a more favorable environment for private power generation companies and state initiatives, with proposed legislation expected by the second quarter of this year.
