Jr Pope: Anambra Assembly Mandates Compulsory Use Of Life Jackets On Waterways

Jr Pope: Anambra Assembly Mandates Compulsory Use Of Life Jackets On Waterways

The Anambra House of Assembly passed a motion on Tuesday, May 14, making it mandatory to use life jackets on waterways in the Eastern state…..read also 2023 Elections: See What Obi Told Anambra LP Assembly Candidates To Do To Soludo After Victory

The motion was introduced during the plenary session by Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, representing Ekwusigo constituency and serving as the Majority Leader. Ofodeme highlighted that many lives had been lost due to the lack of life jacket use by passengers and boat operators.

He emphasized that the absence of regulations requiring life jackets significantly endangered the lives of those using water transportation. “Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the protection of life and property remains the primary purpose of government. The safety of citizens utilizing water transportation is of paramount importance,” Ofodeme stated.

He proposed that certified life jackets be provided to all maritime businesses and that strict enforcement measures ensure their proper use by passengers and operators. Public awareness campaigns should also educate citizens on the importance of wearing life jackets and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Speaker Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety of lives and property. He called on the state Governor to direct the Commissioner for Transportation and other relevant agencies to enforce the compulsory use of life jackets on all waterways in the state.

This move follows the tragic deaths of renowned Nollywood actor Paul Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, and movie crew members Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, and Joseph Anointing in the Anam River, Anambra State, just a month ago.