By Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state executive to declare state of emergency in the health sector.

Speaker of the House, Honourable Clarence Olafemi having listened to motions and counter motions from members of the assembly on the condition of hospitals and health centers in the state called for a divide so as to ascertain the way forward, and majority of the lawmakers shouted "yes" in favour of the state of emergency.

The motion which was initiated by Honourable Abdullahi Aduku Ojadale, deputy speaker representing Idah constituency, specifically condemned the unhealthy condition of the age-long colonial provincial hospital at Idah.

Hon. Ojodalele lamented that the Idah hospital which was established over decades ago during the colonial administration to serve the entire Igala land and environs is now a ghost of itself as it lacks modern facilities and adequate staff and modern technology.

The mover of the motion, recalled that the House had set up a committee some times in 2004 to look into the abysmal condition of the health sector of which relevant recommendations were proffered, but the government ignored it due to its non-challant policy toward the health of the people".

Though supporting the motion, the majority leader of the House, Hon. Barrister Adamu Mohammed representing Omala, said that the ugly situation concerning the health sector could only be differed to next year’s appropriation due to its enormity, for proper attention by the executive.

After a thorough debate on the matter, the Speaker, Hon. Olafemi ruled that the executive should as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency in the health sector.

Chief Olafemi who was the acting governor, when the election of the incumbent governor was annulled by the election tribunal, noted with displeasure the sanitary and health conditions of the down trodden people of the state.

In another development, the speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Clarence Olafemi has pleaded with governments at all levels to ensure adequate remuneration for health workers as at when due.

The state chief law maker was speaking when he received the award conferred on him for "crisis resolution" by the correspondents’ chapel of the NUJ Kogi State chapter.

He said that he has been made proud by journalists in the state as his efforts and contributions geared towards the development of the state have been recognized.

Hon. Olafemi announced that the award is dedicated to the entire members of the House, described the state assembly as the most peaceful in the country, adding that the assembly members under his leadership have been committed to the course for which they were elected.

He therefore urged journalists to continue to maintain good relationship with the assembly, and report accurately all government activities.

Earlier, while presenting the award to the speaker, chairman of the correspondents’ chapel, Mr. Wole Ayodele, urged the speaker and the houses of assembly across the country to impress on the National Assembly to pass the popular freedom of information bill (FOI).