The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has successfully passed a bill to establish the Edo State Digital Governance and Data Management Agency. The bill, which reached its second reading, aims to propel Edo State to the forefront of legislative advancements in digital governance.
Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aiguobarhueghian, who advocated for the bill’s consideration, emphasized its significance in advancing the legislative business for the people of Edo State. She urged her colleagues to support and pass the bill into law.
Supporting the bill, Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Edekor, Hon. Nicolas Asonsere, and Hon. Richard Edosa highlighted the Governor’s efforts in digitizing the state’s operations, which recently earned him the Best Digital-Driven Governor award. Following their endorsements, the House passed the bill.
In another development, the House confirmed five nominees as members of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. The confirmed nominees are:
- Iguodala Aluyi – Chairman
- Ehi Obaseki – Member
- Adegboyeya Gilbert Martins – Member
- Juliana Idawhekpei Olatunji – Member
- Margaret Ohiowele – Member
These nominees were confirmed after being deemed worthy and screened by the appropriate House standing committee. Each nominee provided a brief autobiography before being asked to take a bow and leave.
Additionally, the House passed the second reading of a bill to repeal the Edo State Electricity Law 2022 and establish the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Edo Electrification Agency, and the Edo State Electricity Transmission Company. This bill was referred to the House standing committee on power and energy, with a one-week mandate to report back.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who presided over the plenary, welcomed back suspended lawmakers Hon. Donald Okogbe and Hon. Addeh Isibor. He also acknowledged the presence of the Edo State Youth Parliament members observing the session.
Furthermore, the Speaker promised to contact the contractor handling the Sobe Sanbogida-Auchi road project to resume work within two weeks or face a summons to the House. This decision followed a personal explanation by Hon. Okogbe Donald, who highlighted the road’s poor condition.
The next sitting of the House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
