As a follow up to the bills sent to it by the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Hon. Timothy Nsirim, JP on a Bye-Law for Obio/Akpor Local Government Investment Authority Bill 2011, and Community Development Committees, Clubs and similar Associations (Regulation and Control) Bill, 2011.
The legislative house, had on Saturday, 4th of January 2012, presented the bills to stakeholders and the entire people of the LGA for discussions. In his speech, the council boss cited the secretariat building as a pace for other developments that had taken place in the LGA. He added that Obio/Akpor Ultra-Modern International Market, if completed, will be given to the general public and not one man business.
Hon. Nsirim disclosed that the Fish Farm at Rumuekini and other projects in the council will open up employment opportunities for the people of the LGA. He believed that the passage of the C.D.C. bill will help to redefine the role of the committees which is to develop the people and to look down on traditional rulers and elders of the land.
OBALGA boss affirmed that he is running an all inclusive administration, adding that non-indigenes are part and parcel of the council, since they have their own houses in the L.G.A, an enjoying the amenities provided or supported by the council in the area. He noted further that over 2 billion naira has been spent on investments that are visible; hence the need for the investment bill which he said will serve as a back-up to the projects that have been embarked upon by the council, even after their tenure must have elapsed.
The Chairman of the biggest and richest L.G.A in Rivers-State, felt dis-satisfied on the level of turn-out at event, blamed the councilors of the council for their inability to send the message of the public hearing to their wards.
The two bills however were read to the audience by the Chairmen of House Committee on the bills; while the leader of the council, Hon. Henry Odum stated that the reason for the public hearing was aimed at having the input of the people of Obio/Akpor on the bills and not on “questions and answers”. The leader urged the people of Obio-Akpor to submit their Memorandum to the legislative house, through the office of the Council Clark.
Those who made contribution on some areas that they are not satisfied with, on the industry and the C.D.C. bills, where: Eze Akani, Eze C.C Okocha, Chief Justice, and Mr. Benjamin Ahamehule. Others include: Prof. Dame Grace Akaninwo, Mr. Gilbert Wagbara, Mr. Vincent Wabara and Mr. Nyebuchi Amadi; the C.D.C Chairman of Elelenwo Community, amongst others.
Some of the issues raised by respondents at the hearing, were given clarifications by the Clark of Obio- Akpor Council, Mr. Bright Agbaovu, whose wealth of knowledge in the council business, helped in the facilitation and success of the public hearing, while the committee chairman of the industry bill, promised that the house will do more justice to the bills at their different chambers.
The two Bye-Laws may be cited as: the Obio-Akpor Local Government Investments Authority Bye-Law, 2011 and as Community Development Committee Regulation and Control Law, 2011, respectively, if passed by the house.
By Blaise Elumezie
