Delta assembly considers bill to prohibit violence against persons

Delta  House of Assembly on Wednesday considered a bill to establish a law that would  eliminate violence in private and public life, as well as all forms of violence against persons.

Presenting the bill for its second reading during plenary in Asaba, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Tim Owhefere, said that the bill, when passed, would help to protect citizens, as well as effectively curb the menace.

Owhefere, who decried the upsurge in cases of rape, spouse battery and other forms of violent crimes, especially against women, children and vulnerable in the society, said that the bill came at the right time.

‘“This bill is coming at the right time, especially when the cases of rape, and other forms of violence are on the increase daily.

“This bill when passed, will help to prohibit all forms of violence against persons, as well as provide punishment for offenders.

“The bill will also help to address the issues of female genital mutilation, which has been a major challenge facing our women folk.

“The bill will further help to address issues of political violence and provide punishment for all those who engage in violence in the course of political activities,” he said.

Supporting the bill, the Chief Whip of the assembly, Mrs Pat Ajudua, said COVID-19 was not the only global pandemic now, but rape, which has become a raging cancer eating deep into the fabric of the society.

Ajudua said the bill when passed would help to send danger signals to rapists in the state.

She also said that the bill would make provision for a register of convicted sexual offenders in the state, which would be maintained by the Attorney General of the state and made accessible to the public.

Also, the Deputy Speaker of the assembly, Mr Christopher Ochor, said the bill would offer stiffer penalties for offenders.

On his part, Mr Solomon Ighrakpata, member representing Uwvie Constituency in the state assembly, said that the bill would prohibit indecent dressing, especially among females.

Also, the Deputy Majority Leader of the house, Mr Oboro Preyor, said that the bill when passed would cover every loophole offenders were using as escape route.

Consequently, the bill which was unanimously supported by the assembly, was referred to the House Committee  on Rules, Business and Judiciary for scrutiny by the Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

Edited By: Chioma Ugboma/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore (NAN)