The member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chima Obieze, has withdrawn his proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill due to public concerns and criticisms. Obieze stated that the withdrawal would allow for wider consultations, public enlightenment, and better understanding of the objectives of the proposed law. The bill was introduced to protect lives and prevent avoidable deaths during large public gatherings.
Obieze emphasized that the proposed legislation was not intended to restrict public gatherings or impose unnecessary burdens on residents, but to establish basic safety standards for events involving large crowds. He cited several stampede incidents across the country, including the December 2024 tragedies in Okija, Anambra State; Ibadan, Oyo State; and Maitama, Abuja, where people reportedly died during public gatherings and charity distributions.
The lawmaker referred to previous incidents in Rivers and Anambra states, arguing that proper planning, crowd management, and emergency preparedness could help prevent such tragedies. He stated that the proposed bill was designed to require organizers of concerts, religious programs, carnivals, political events, and charitable distributions to make adequate safety arrangements, including first-aid services, fire extinguishers, crowd-control barricades, emergency exits, and security personnel.
Obieze explained that the issue was particularly important ahead of the festive season, when social activities, community celebrations, and philanthropic programs were expected to increase. He stressed that legislation must be properly understood by the people it seeks to regulate, and that it was the duty of lawmakers to ensure that citizens understand the purpose of new legislation.
The lawmaker announced that he would formally communicate the withdrawal to the Speaker of the House while engaging stakeholders on public safety at large gatherings. He thanked residents, civil society groups, and other stakeholders who expressed their views on the bill, saying both support and criticism were part of the democratic process.
Obieze reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, stating that the safety of Ndi Enugu would always remain his priority. He acknowledged the contributions of those who supported and criticized the bill, including those who resorted to trolling and insults. The lawmaker's decision to withdraw the bill was seen as a move to engage with the public and ensure that the proposed legislation was well understood.
The withdrawal of the bill has sparked a renewed debate on the importance of public safety in Enugu State. Obieze's commitment to public safety is expected to continue, with the lawmaker set to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the proposed legislation is well understood and effective in preventing avoidable deaths during large public gatherings.
Key points
- - The proposed bill aimed to establish basic safety standards for events involving large crowds. - The lawmaker cited several stampede incidents across the country as a reason for introducing the bill. - Obieze reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, stating that the safety of Ndi Enugu would always remain his priority.
