Otukpo Legislative Council holds public hearing on proposed environmental sanition bye-law sponsored by Ben Idah

The Otukpo Local Government Legislative Council, has Monday 14th September, 2020 held a public hearing on the proposed OTUKPO ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION BYE-LAW.

Hon Ben Idah, Councilor Representing Ewulo Ward and sponsor of the bill, while lamenting the poor sanitary condition of Otukpo said the bill became necessary due to the degradation of the environment, following years of abandonment of sanitation exercise in Otukpo and its environs.

He stressed that the provisions of the bill, if passed and implemented will address the challenges facing the town and lead to a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for all residents of Otukpo.

The Sarkin Hausa of Otukpo, Alh. Mamuda, in his contribution to debates on  sections 8, sub section 2 of the bill which touches on drainages, says there is need for channels to be repaired to allow for proper flow of water.

Chief Ola spoke on the need for involvement of traditional rulers and district heads. His position was supported by the Ad’Otukpo, HRH, Chief. Samuel Onu.

An Abuja based Journalist, Chief. Dan Ekah, noted that there is no provision for “Noise Pollution” in the bill and that there is need for such inclusion. To this, Pastor Adole Ejah asked for clarification which Ras Brigs and others explained.

Former Councillors of Ewulo Ward, Hon. David Onyilokwu Okoh (Perfect) and Hon. Adah Alechenu

, alongside Chief Ola, Ras Brigs, Barrister Ofikwu, Barr. George Agbo, and others made observations, recommendations, and raised questions regarding implementation of the bill, when passed into law.

HRH, Dr. Samuel Onu as well Ras Brigs, and Hon. David Perfect

, all harped on the need to select competent and credible hands as Task force members during implementation, saying membership of the task force committee shouldn’t be politicized.

The public hearing which commenced about 2:25 pm with an opening prayer offered by Pastor Adole Ejah, a representative of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Otukpo Chapter, also had in attendance members of the Otukpo Legislative Council, led by its Leader, Hon. Enoch Alegwu; traditional rulers, including HRH. Dr. Samuel Onu, the Ad’Otukpo; Chief. Ochima Otaka, Acting District Head of Akpa community; Alh. Malam Mamuda, the Sarkin Hausa of Otukpo, Alh. Mamuda Hamza, the Manama Hausa of Otukpo. Chief. Ola M.I. traditional Ruler from Akpa.

Others are: Barr. George Abah, Chairman, NBA, Otukpo Chapter, Barr. Mark Ofikwu, and Barr. John Oyishima, all representing the NBA; Chief. Ejoga Oga Okwoche, Chairman of Otukpo traders Association, PDP Youth Leader for Otukpo, Elijah  Lincolm Ogbe. Also, Mr. Peter Ogboji, and Mrs. Ella Salome represented The Nigerian Red Cross Society. Agbo Anthony and Ford Oche, representing National Association of Idoma Students (Nais), an Environmentalist, Ras Brigs Ejeh.

The bill which had passed through its first and second reading after the deliberation from the Public Hearing was referred to the House standing committee on Ethics and Previledges for more scrutiny of its provisions and before reverting it back to the house for final consideration and passage.

Desmond Oogwu,

Special Adviser,

Media and Gender Affairs to Rt. Hon. George Alli,

Chairman,

Otukpo Local Government.

15/09/2020