Chima Obieze, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly who represents the Ezeagu Constituency, has withdrawn his proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill in response to public concerns and criticism.
According to Obieze, the withdrawal would enable more extensive consultations, public education, and a deeper comprehension of the goals of the proposed legislation.
The lawmaker stated in a statement released by his office on Thursday that the bill was introduced with the intention of protecting lives and preventing preventable deaths during large public gatherings.
“My proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill is hereby withdrawn. Let me once again state that the intention behind the Bill is born purely out of concern for human life and safety. Safety for our children, women, and people living with disabilities,” he said.
“These deaths were not caused by sickness. They were caused by a lack of crowd control, a lack of emergency medical preparedness, a lack of proper entry and exit routes, and a lack of security.”
“Every law is made for the citizens. As a lawmaker, I owe the citizens the duty to ensure that they understand the mischief or purpose every new legislation seeks to cure. If the people for whom the law is made misunderstand its purpose, it is our duty to step back, educate more, and consult wider.”
I believe the lawmaker knows what he’s doing. Withdrawing the bill to consult more widely shows a willingness to listen, address concerns and ensure the proposal reflects the needs of the people it is meant to serve.
“I thank all who contributed, both in support and criticism. Your voices matter. Those who resorted to trolling, drags, and insults, God bless you all too,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, saying, “The safety of Ndi Enugu will always remain my priority.”
