By Eben Enasco
Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has inaugurated its Standing Committees, with Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian, a member representing Ovia North East Constituency 1 and Majority Leader, appointed as Chairman of the Rules, Business, and Government House Committee.
The announcement was made by Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku during the inauguration ceremony on Monday.
The appointment is seen as a strategic move to fill the vacuum created by the suspension of three members, in line with the House Rules granting members their oversight functions.
The Speaker emphasized that the appointed chairmen should assume their roles immediately.
Other committees inaugurated include the Selection Committee, chaired by the Speaker, and the Tender Committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Omozele Maria Edekor.
Similarly, the house during the plenary session, gave a second reading to the Bill for a Law to Establish Edo State Community Security Network Governance Law 2024.
The Bill, aimed at addressing the high level of insecurity in the state, received overwhelming support from members, who cited cases of insecurity and the need for swift action.
Hon. Aiguobarueghian, who moved the motion for the bill, emphasized that the legislation will empower the State Security Network, provide a legal framework, and strengthen security personnel to work effectively. The Bill will also ensure remuneration for their work and honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Other members, including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Omozele Edekor, Hon. Osadolor Uzamere, Hon. Akokhia Ganiyu, Hon. Ugabi Kingsley, and Hon. Eric Okaka, supported the Bill, citing the critical need for a state security network to curtail crimes and criminalities in communities.
Meanwhile, the House has condoled families who have lost loved ones due to insecurity challenges and referred the Bill to the House Standing Committee on Safety and Security for further review, with a report due in two weeks.
