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…Says decision will allow for wider consultations, public enlightenment and better understanding of proposed legislation
The member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze, has announced the withdrawal of his proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill, explaining that the legislation was conceived in good faith to protect lives and prevent avoidable tragedies at public gatherings across the state.
Obieze said the decision followed public reactions, concerns and commentaries surrounding the proposed legislation, stressing that the withdrawal would create an opportunity for broader stakeholder consultations and public enlightenment on the objectives of the Bill.
In a statement addressed to the people of Enugu State, the lawmaker maintained that the proposed legislation was neither intended to restrict public gatherings nor impose unnecessary burdens on residents, but to establish basic safety standards for events attracting large crowds.
“My proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill is hereby withdrawn. Let me once again state that the intention behind the Bill is born purely out of concern for human life and safety. Safety for our children, women, and people living with disabilities,” Obieze stated.
The lawmaker recalled several tragic incidents involving overcrowding and stampedes across Nigeria, including the December 2024 tragedies in Okija, Anambra State; Ibadan, Oyo State; and Maitama, Abuja, where scores of Nigerians, including children and women, lost their lives during charity distributions and public gatherings.
He also referenced previous stampede incidents in Rivers and Anambra states, noting that such tragedies demonstrated the importance of preventive safety measures, effective crowd management and adequate emergency response arrangements.
According to him, many of these incidents could have been prevented through proper planning, clearly designated entry and exit routes, the presence of emergency medical personnel and adequate security arrangements.
“These deaths were not caused by sickness. They were caused by a lack of crowd control, a lack of emergency medical preparedness, a lack of proper entry and exit routes, and a lack of security,” he said.
Obieze explained that the proposed Bill sought to establish a legal framework requiring organisers of large public gatherings, including concerts, religious crusades, carnivals, political events and charitable distributions, to make adequate provisions for the safety of participants.
He noted that the approaching festive season made the conversation particularly important, given the expected increase in social activities, community celebrations and philanthropic programmes organised by individuals and groups returning home for the holidays.
The legislator further observed that public safety regulations were not peculiar to Enugu State, citing existing safety management arrangements in Lagos State and measures introduced in other states following previous crowd-related tragedies.
He explained that the proposed legislation was intended to encourage event organisers to provide basic safety facilities, including first-aid services, fire extinguishers, crowd-control barricades, emergency exit routes and appropriate security personnel.
However, Obieze acknowledged that the concerns expressed by members of the public deserved careful consideration, particularly in a democratic society where legislation must reflect the interests and understanding of the people it is designed to serve.
“Every law is made for the citizens. As a lawmaker, I owe the citizens the duty to ensure that they understand the mischief or purpose every new legislation seeks to cure. If the people for whom the law is made misunderstand its purpose, it is our duty to step back, educate more, and consult wider,” he stated.
He emphasised that effective lawmaking requires more than good intentions, adding that public confidence, adequate consultation and clear communication are essential to the acceptance and successful implementation of legislation.
The Ezeagu lawmaker consequently disclosed his intention to formally communicate the withdrawal of the Bill to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, while allowing further engagement with relevant stakeholders on the broader issue of safety at public gatherings.
Obieze thanked residents, civil society organisations, commentators and other stakeholders who expressed their views on the proposed legislation, describing their contributions, whether supportive or critical, as important to the democratic process.
He urged the public to appreciate the underlying concern that informed the initiative, stressing that the protection of human life should remain a shared responsibility of government, event organisers and citizens.
“I thank all who contributed, both in support and criticism. Your voices matter. Those who resorted to trolling, drags, and insults, God bless you all too,” he said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented representation and responsive legislation, maintaining that the withdrawal of the Bill should not diminish the importance of strengthening public safety awareness and preventing avoidable loss of lives in Enugu State.
“The safety of Ndi Enugu will always remain my priority,” Obieze concluded.
