The assembly referred a bill seeking to establish the Edo State Emergency Management Agency to the Committee on Environment and Sustainability for further legislative consideration
By Moses Okorie
The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday received the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill forwarded by Gov. Monday Okpebholo for consideration and approval.
The Speaker, Mr Yekini Idaiye, read the governor’s letter during plenary in Benin, noting that the proposal had been transmitted to the legislature for necessary action.
Idaiye said the bill would be scheduled for consideration on the Order Paper at a later date.
In a related development, the assembly referred a bill seeking to establish the Edo State Emergency Management Agency to the Committee on Environment and Sustainability for further legislative consideration.
The referral followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Sunday Ojezele, and seconded by Mr Charity Aiguobarueghian, representing Ovia North-East II.
Leading the debate, Ojezele cited Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
He said the proposed legislation was designed to provide a legal and operational framework for the agency and its governing council to respond effectively to emergencies.
According to him, the agency would help address emergencies such as flooding during the rainy season and environmental challenges arising from prolonged dry weather.
Contributing to the debate, Mr Edosa Richard, representing Oredo West; Mrs Natasha Osawaru, representing Egor; Mr Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo II; and Mrs Maria Edeko, representing Esan North-East II, expressed support for the bill.
The lawmakers emphasised the need for an effective emergency management system to safeguard lives and property across the state.
They noted that the proposed law would provide the necessary legal backing for emergency response operations, including access to budgetary allocations and relief materials for affected communities.
Following the debate, the Speaker referred the bill to the Committee on Environment and Sustainability for further legislative work.
The House subsequently adjourned plenary to Tuesday, Oct. 13.