The Rivers State House of Assembly, had a one-day public hearing on the proposed Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill 2024.
Deputy Speaker Mr. Timothy Orubienimigha said that the legislators are committed to enacting major laws that will benefit the state,
Orubienimigha emphasized the significance of the bill, stating that it aims to establish a comprehensive framework for addressing emergencies and mitigating their effects on local communities.
He reassured the people that their input would be carefully considered in the legislative process.
During the public hearing, various stakeholders praised the House of Assembly for taking this important step. They emphasized the urgency of the bill, especially given the increasing severity of rainfall in the state.
Key contributors to the discussion included Dr. Nwiyor Jerry, National President of the Society of Professional Disaster Risk Management of Nigeria; Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Rivers State; Elvis Oraka, representative of the Nigeria Labour Congress; Enefa Georgewill, Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Society Organization; and Roseline Uranta, Commissioner for Women Affairs. Representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were also present, among others.
The stakeholders generally supported the bill, recommending that it be aligned with NEMA’s regulations to ensure consistency at both state and national levels.
They also called for the inclusion of non-state actors in the emergency management process and urged the immediate passage of the bill for the benefit of the people.
Dr. Nwiyor Jerry highlighted that the bill adheres to international best practices, stressing the importance of each state having its own State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Additionally, Mr. Leyi Nwanne, a representative of former lawmakers, commended the transparency demonstrated by the 10th Assembly in handling the legislative process.
The Rivers State Emergency Management Agency Bill, a private member bill, seeks to establish a dedicated agency for managing emergencies in Rivers State.
