By Ogar Monday: House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State House of Assembly Tuesday in plenary passed a bill to establish the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) eight years after it was established by the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke.
Honorable Ajor Idagu (Bekwarra PDP) while presenting the report of the House Committee on Works and infrastructure on the bill described the law as laudable as it will aid the agency to streamline its programs in line with those of relevant ministries departments and agencies.
“The law to establish an agency for SEMA in the state is a laudable one. It is believed that the agency will streamline emergency response services in the state for the benefit of the general public.
“This is because the agency expected to maintain a program of technical assistance with other bodies concerning implementation of emerging guidelines, or regulations. it shall also be the umbrella body for all activities of relevant agencies,” Idagu said.
The bill was sponsored by Honorable Hilary Bisong (Boki 2 PDP) with the leader, Honorable Moses Ucheche (Obanliku PDP) canvassing support for the bill earlier during proceedings and maintained it was necessary to give the agency a legal backing.