Dr Justin Okonoboh: Speaker, Edo House of Assembly

The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Dr Justin Okonoboh, on Thursday said the house had not taken decision on a Bill for a grazing agency in the state.

Okonoboh told newsmen in Benin that though the said that the Bill had passed second reading at plenary, it would be subjected to public hearing before final decision would be taken on it.

The Bill for a law to establish Edo State Control of Nomadic Cattle Rearing and Grazing Agency is sponsored by a member of the house and its introduction raised some controversy in the state.

“Usually when bills come we take them the way they come. It is during the second reading that we feel the pulse of members and the public.

“Based on that, we have scheduled a public hearing on the bill to allow everybody to make contribution on it.

“The house has not taken decision yet on the bill because we need to hear from the public,’’ the speaker said.

He said that the public hearing would be held in two days, and that the first day would be for the executive and Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

Other groups expected on that day, he added, included traditional rulers, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), community representatives and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Okonobo said that the second day would be for the Academia, civil society organisations and other interested parties.

“After the hearing, we will collate all contributions and take decision on the bill,’’ he explained.

According to him, whatever the people want is what we will do. (NAN)