The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Leggerewo, has stated that the bill for the creation of 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the 11 local governments of the state, proposed by the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has passed first and second readings at the State House of Assembly.

He stated this on Saturday during a public hearing on the bill.

Our correspondent reports that the bill was sent to the Assembly by the governor barely three days ago.

Leggerewo said the legislative house deemed it good to organise a public hearing to get inputs from the general public with a view to enriching the bill.

He explained that the swift action taken by the Assembly was due to the importance of the bill, adding that the proposed creation of 13 new LCDAs is a people-oriented initiative that would facilitate development at the grassroots level and ensure effective utilisation of state resources.

The Speaker noted that the bill’s importance warranted an expedited process, with the House conducting both readings on the same day.

According to him, the LCDAs would bring government services closer to the people, promoting development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Guardian reports that the public hearing was attended by stakeholders, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to contribute to the bill’s development.