The Edo House of Assembly on Monday received a message from Gov. Monday Okpebholo, forwarding the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill for consideration and approval.
The Speaker, Mr Yekini Idaiye, who read the governor’s letter at plenary in Benin, , said the proposal was transmitted to the house for legislative action.
He said the supplementary budget would be listed for consideration on the Order Paper at a later date.
Earlier at plenary, the assembly referred a Bill for a Law to establish the Edo State Emergency Management Agency to the Committee on Environment and Sustainability for further legislative consideration.
The referral followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Sunday Ojezele, and seconded by Mr Charity Aiguobarueghian (Ovia North-East II)
Leading the debate, Ojezele cited Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provided that the security and welfare of the people should be the primary purpose of government.
According to him, the bill seeks to provide a legal and operational framework for the agency and its governing council to effectively respond to emergencies, including flooding during the rainy season and environmental challenges associated with prolonged dry weather.
Contributing, Mr Edosa Richard (Oredo West ) Mrs Natasha Osawaru (Egor) Mr Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II) and Mrs Maria Edeko (Esan North-East II), supported the bill, stressing the need for an effective emergency management system to protect lives and property.
They said the proposed law would provide legal backing for emergency response, including access to budgetary provisions and relief materials.
The Speaker, thereafter, referred the bill to the committee for further legislative work.
The house adjourned plenary to Tuesday, Oct. 13.
