By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Delta State Prevention and Prohibition of Destruction and Vandalization of Public Properties and Public Assets Bill 2024 has passed first reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The Bill which has the Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Chief James Augoye, representing Okpe Constituency in the House as the lead sponsor, was read the first time at Tuesday’s resumed plenary session of the Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Chief Augoye had in two separate motions sought the leave of the House to bring in the Bill for legislative processing and for it to be read the first time.
The motions were unanimously adopted when put to voice votes by the Speaker who subsequently announced Wednesday, 17th July 2024 for second reading of the bill.
Augoye, a former Commissioner for Works in the State and together with 19 others, are seeking for enactment of a Law to provide for the prevention and prohibition of destruction and vandalization of public properties and other public assets in Delta State.
The House also took first reading on the Delta State Domestic Staff Service Providers Registration Bill.
At at plenary, the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor announced constitution of a seven-man Special Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in the State.
The committee has the Chief Whip of the House and Chairman, House of Assembly committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Perkins Umukoro as Chairman and member representing Isoko South 2 State constituency, Ferguson Onwo as Deputy Chairman.
Members include Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, Ika North East, Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South, Festus Utuama, Ughelli South, Pereotu Oloye, Burutu 2 and Benson Obire, Warri South 2 as members, while Abigail Eseadi would serve as Secretary
Constituting the committee, the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor said the development was in response to recommendation from a retreat by Conference of Speakers.
He said, “Distinguished colleagues, I wish to inform you that arising from a retreat by the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security of the House of Representatives with Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly and other stake holders, held on 2nd to 4th May, 2024, it was observed that democratic governance, economic development, peace and security in Nigeria cannot be sustained amidst malnutrition and food insecurity aggravated by increasing poverty and security challenges.
“In order to combat this challenge and ameliorate the food crisis in the country, a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat recommended that all State Houses of assembly should each set up Legislative Committee on Nutrition and Food Security.
“In view of this recommendation, I wish to constitute the Special Committee on Nutrition and Food Security of the House” Guwor said.
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The Speaker directed the Committee according to the Speaker, should liaise with the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, House of Representatives for synergy in the area of nutrition and Food Security and Technical Support.