FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a bill providing for free treatment of snakebite victims in government hospitals across the state.
The bill, known as House Bill No. 23, titled “A Bill for a Law to Provide for Free Snakebite Treatment in Government Hospitals and Establishment of Administrative Control Committee in Benue State and for Other Matters Connected Therewith,” was passed during the House’s plenary on Thursday at the Assembly Complex, Makurdi.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS, announced the passage of the bill after members deliberated on its provisions.
The bill was sponsored and moved for consideration by Hon. Matthew Damkor, PhD.
Contributing to the debate, the Chairman of the relevant committee said the bill had received strong support during the public hearing, with members of the public describing it as timely and calling for its speedy passage.
Also speaking, Hon. Peter Ucher, representing Guma State Constituency, said the legislation was particularly important because Benue is predominantly an agrarian state, where farmers and other rural residents are frequently exposed to snakebites.
He noted that his constituency had recorded significant cases of snakebite, stressing the need for government to ensure that victims have access to prompt and affordable treatment.
The House also considered and passed the Benue State Honours, Recognition and Awards Bill, 2026, which seeks to provide a framework for recognising individuals who have made remarkable contributions and achievements in the state.
The debate on the bill was led by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Bemdoo Peter Ipusu.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Abu Umoru called for the implementation of the legislation to be devoid of political considerations, stressing the importance of ensuring that recognition and awards are based on merit and outstanding contributions to the development of Benue State.
Following deliberations, the House passed the bill into law.
HOUSE CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO REVIEW STANDING ORDERS
In another development, the Assembly constituted an Ad Hoc Committee to review the Standing Orders of the House.
The committee is chaired by Hon. Bemdoo Peter Ipusu, while its members are Rt. Hon. Williams Ortyom, Rt. Hon. Godwin Abu Edoh, Hon. Zahemen Abraham Jabi, PhD, Hon. Elias Audu, PhD, Hon. Dr. Simon Gabo, and Hon. Blessed Onah.
Dr. Alfred Odeh will serve as Secretary to the committee.
Announcing the constitution of the committee, Speaker Emberga said the review had become necessary to strengthen the legislative processes of the House and enhance the effectiveness of its oversight functions in the overall interest of the state.
The Speaker charged the committee to undertake a thorough review of the Standing Orders and make recommendations that would promote effective legislation, transparency, accountability and credible oversight.
He directed the committee to complete its assignment and submit its report to the House within 60 days.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
