Gombe State Assembly Rushes Bill to Create 13 New Local Council Development Areas
The Gombe State House of Assembly has expedited legislative proceedings on a bill aimed at establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), progressing it through both the first and second readings in a single day.
Speaker of the House, Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, affirmed this on Saturday, August 16, during a public hearing organized to garner insights from stakeholders, merely three days following the bill’s submission to the Assembly by the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Luggerewo expressed that despite the bill’s swift processing, the Assembly deemed it crucial to engage the public, recognizing the invaluable perspectives grassroots stakeholders can contribute to enhancing the proposed legislation.
“The urgency with which the House conducted the first and second readings underscores the bill’s importance to the people of Gombe State. Yet, we understand that legislation must resonate with the populace’s voices, hence today’s hearing,” the Speaker articulated.
The Speaker explained that the proposed 13 LCDAs aim to bring governmental services closer to the populace, broaden developmental opportunities, and ensure equitable resource allocation. He emphasized that the establishment of new councils would bolster local governance and elevate the quality of life in neglected regions.
Governor Yahaya had previously characterized the initiative as a people-centric reform intended to extend governmental outreach. He contended that the creation of LCDAs is imperative to accommodate the state’s burgeoning population and developmental aspirations.
Saturday’s public hearing saw participation from traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives. The House is anticipated to integrate the feedback from the public hearing before advancing the bill to its third reading.
