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Calls for public hearing, after speedy 1st, 2nd reading
From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State House of Assembly has fast-tracked legislative work on the bill seeking the creation of 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), moving it through first and second readings on the same day.
Speaker of the House Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo confirmed this on Saturday, August 16, at a public hearing convened to receive inputs from stakeholders, barely three days after the bill was transmitted to the Assembly by the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Luggerewo said the Assembly considered it important to subject the bill to public engagement despite the accelerated process, noting that grassroots stakeholders hold valuable perspectives that can enrich the proposed law.
“The urgency with which the House handled the first and second readings reflects the significance of this bill to the people of Gombe State. But we also know that legislation must capture the voices of the people, hence today’s hearing,” the Speaker stated.
The proposed 13 LCDAs, according to the Speaker, are intended to bring government services closer to residents, expand opportunities for development, and ensure fairer utilisation of resources. He stressed that the creation of new councils would strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life in underserved areas.
Governor Yahaya had earlier described the initiative as a people-oriented reform designed to expand government reach. He argued that creating LCDAs is necessary to match the state’s growing population and developmental needs.
Saturday’s public hearing attracted the participation of traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and community representatives. The House is expected to harmonise the inputs from the public hearing before considering the bill for third reading.
