Enugu lawmaker pulls back safety bill for more talks

Chima Obieze, the lawmaker for Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has pulled back his proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill. This decision follows public concerns and criticism about the bill.

Obieze explained that withdrawing the bill would allow for more consultations, public awareness, and a better understanding of what the bill aims to achieve.

In a statement released on Thursday by his office, he said the bill was meant to protect lives and prevent deaths during large public events.

"My proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill is hereby withdrawn.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 stated.

He further clarified that the bill was not meant to limit public gatherings or place extra burdens on residents. Instead, it aimed to set basic safety standards for events with large crowds.

Obieze pointed to several stampede cases across Nigeria, including the December 2024 incidents in Okija, Anambra State; Ibadan, Oyo State; and Maitama, Abuja, where people lost their lives during public gatherings and charity events.

He also mentioned previous incidents in Rivers and Anambra states, arguing that proper planning, crowd management, and emergency preparedness could prevent such tragedies.

"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," he said.

According to him, the proposed bill would require event organizers for concerts, religious programmes, carnivals, political events, and charity distributions to make proper safety arrangements.

He highlighted that these arrangements could include first-aid services, fire extinguishers, crowd-control barriers, emergency exits, and security personnel.

Obieze mentioned that this issue is especially important as the festive season approaches, which usually sees more social activities, community events, and charitable programmes.

Explaining why he withdrew the bill, he said that any legislation must be well understood by the people it affects.

"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," he said.

Obieze plans to officially inform the Speaker of the House about the withdrawal and engage with stakeholders on safety at large gatherings.

He expressed gratitude to residents, civil society groups, and other stakeholders who shared their views on the bill, saying both support and criticism are part of the democratic process.

"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 added.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, stating, "The safety of Ndi Enugu will always remain my priority."