By Edem Ekpo
The Odukpani Legislative Council has slated a public hearing for a proposed bill seeking to establish a Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA).
The bill, which scaled second reading during the last sitting on Wednesday, August 27, at the Odukpani Legislative Chamber, enjoyed overwhelming support from members of the Legislature.
Sponsored by Hon. Okokon Okon Ekpenyong, Councilor representing Ito/Idere/Ukwa Ward, the bill seeks to create a legal framework for a coordinated response to disasters and emergencies within Odukpani Local Government Area.
If passed, the agency will oversee disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, while strengthening collaboration with state and federal emergency bodies.
Explaining its urgency, Hon. Ekpenyong noted that rising cases of landslides , communal clashes, flooding, erosion, fire outbreaks, and road accidents have made local intervention critical.
“This Bill is about building local capacity to protect lives, property, and livelihoods in times of emergency,” he said.
The public hearing is expected to harvest input from stakeholders and groups in the disaster management ecosystem. The Clerk of the Legislature, Mrs. Victoria Aqua, has therefore called on members of the public, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders to submit 14 copies of their contributions on or before September 1, 2025.
Stakeholders have described the initiative as timely, pointing out that Odukpani, being the gateway to the Capital City of Calabar, Central and northern Cross River, is highly vulnerable to traffic-related emergencies, flooding, and environmental hazards linked to deforestation and heavy rains.
Observers believe that once operational, LEMA will bridge response gaps at the grassroots, ensuring that communities receive rapid assistance instead of waiting for state or federal interventions.
Valid contributions from the public hearing will be incorporated into the Bill before its third reading, further scrutiny, and eventual passage.