The Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley has reaffirmed commitment of the eighth Assembly towards ensuring inclusive legislation that promotes the development and well-being of citizens.
He gave this assurance while declaring open a one-day public hearing on a proposed bill to establish the Adamawa State Climate Change Commission.
The proposed bill, once enacted into law, aims to develop and implement state policies on climate change and environmental protection.
It will coordinate climate change mitigation and adaptation programs across the state, collaborate with local, national, and international bodies on climate-related issues, advise the state government on climate-related legislation and strategies, and promote research, innovation, and public awareness on climate change.
Speaking at the event, Bathiya Wesley emphasized that the public hearing is a critical step in the lawmaking process, where inputs from stakeholders are gathered to develop effective legislation.
He stated that the current assembly, under his leadership, is committed to ensuring public inclusion in the legislative process and pledged to consider all submissions made by various organizations.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Environment, and member representing Mubi South constituency, Mr Yohanna Sahabo Jauro, highlighted that public hearings are essential for stakeholder engagement whenever a bill passes its second reading.
He expressed optimism that the House would scrutinize the submissions thoroughly and make necessary recommendations for the passage of the bill into law, recognizing the significance of establishing a climate change commission in light of the global climate crisis.
Mr Jauro further assured that the current assembly would strive to ensure the enactment of a robust framework to address climate change challenges in the state.
Echoing his mind, the Vice Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Environment and member representing Toungo constituency, Mr Kefas Calvin, lauded the stakeholders’ contributions to advancing the establishment of the Adamawa State Climate Change Commission.
Among the government and private organizations that presented their submissions at the public hearing are the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Adamawa State Environmental Protection Agency, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), DAFE Foundation, Environmental Care Foundation, Halimat Care Foundation, and Agro Climate Resilient in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL).