Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Transport and other relevant agencies to commence the compulsory use of life jackets in every waterways business in Anambra so as to ensure safety of life.
The member representing Ekwusigo Constituency Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme who sponsored the motion said section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the protection of life’s and properties remains the primary purpose of government.
Hon. Ofodeme who is the Majority Leader of the 8th assembly, in his submission stated that the safety of citizens utilizing waterway transportation is of paramount importance.
According to Ofodeme, the absence of compulsory regulations regarding the use of life jackets poses a significant risk to the lives of passengers and operators, respectively.
” Many lives have been lost as a result of accidents on our, water ways mostly due to non provision of life jackets.
“There is urgent need to safeguard schools and business that are located around river line area of the state.
“The implementation of extant measures which includes the provision of life jackets will help to safeguard all those operating along the water lines.
“Recently, we lost a popular Nollywood actor Junior Pope duo to carelessness.
This motion is about negligence and avoidable accidents and to save the life of our people’. Ofodeme stated
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze commended the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme for sponsoring the motion
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the house adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday 21st May 2024.
