Plateau Assembly threatens to summon SEMA, others for neglecting House resolutions

Plateau State House of Assembly has threatened to invoke the powers vested on them to summon the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other agencies for neglecting the House resolutions.

The Speaker, Gabriel Dewan stated this while reading the resolution on a motion brought before the House by Member representing Langtang North Central, Nanbol Listick on a recent flood disaster in his constituency and environs.

While directing the Clark of the House to communicate the House resolutions to the State Emergency Management Agency, the Speaker said the House will not hesitate to summon them to explain why they are not acting on the resolutions of the Assembly.

“And I repeat, if nothing is being done in the resolutions we are submitting today, we would be left with no choice than to use the power of this hallowed chamber to summon all the agencies.

“Because those agencies are saddle with the responsibility of issues like this and I see no reason why representatives of such communities would raised an issue and resolutions are passed but nothing is being done about it.” He said.

The Speaker’s threat followed the notice by Member representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, Dickson Chollom that the victims of windstorm in his constituents were yet to received any support from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) since after their resolutions on the call for support to the victims of the natural disaster in Barkin Ladi Constituency by the House.

The motion by Nanbol Listick entitled ” A call on the Plateau State Government to direct Ministry of Works, State Emergency Management Agency and Local Government Councils to address the recent flood and prevent future flood in Langtang North Central State Constituency and other parts of Plateau State,” read as follows.

“Reference to Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) “The state shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria”, it is very paramount to bring to the notice of this House the recent flood event in sixty five communities across Langtang North Central State Constituency that occurred on Friday 28th of June, 2024 which caused significant damages to property, disrupted daily life, and posed safety hazards to residents.

“With this flood event, there is need for immediate and long-term measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of future flooding in Langtang North Central State Constituency and other parts of plateau State.

“Given the increasing frequency and severity of flood information by meteorological experts in Nigeria, it is crucial to call on Plateau State Government to enhance preparedness and response capabilities on flood.”

He said Government should improve emergency response in the state in order to protect lives, property and to also ensure health safety. Listick noted that his constituency needs urgent assistance to recover from the flood disaster that affected farms, infrastructure and small businesses.

“I urge the government of Plateau State to prioritize this flood issue and take immediate action aim to enhance resilience to flooding, protect public and private property, and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Proactive measures will help minimize the economic and social impact of future flood events in Langtang North Central and other parts of Plateau State.

“Now therefore, I urge my fellow members of this House to resolve to call on the Plateau State Government to direct the aforementioned organizations to, Conduct a comprehensive assessment of floods prone areas in Plateau State. Develop and implement a flood management plan that includes infrastructure improvements, such as upgrading drainage systems, constructing flood barriers, and maintaining natural waterways.

“Collaborate with other relevant governmental agencies and organizations at all levels to secure funding and technical support for flood mitigation projects. Launch a community awareness campaign to educate residents on flood preparedness and response strategies and to provide relief materials to the good people of Langtang North Central State constituency that were affected by this recent flood.” The motion reads in part.