Delta Assembly Passes Bill To End All Forms Of Violence Against Persons

A bill for a law to eliminate violence in private and public life and prohibit all forms of violence against persons, has been read the third time and passed by the Delta State House of Assembly.

The development followed conclusion of legislative process in the making of the new law which climaxed by clause by clause, session by session scrutiny of the 38 paged bill at the committee of Whole, chaired by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The bill also seeks to provide maximum protection as well as effective remedies for victims of violence and punishment of offenders.

The house had at plenary received the report of its Committee on Rules, Business, Legal Matters which was mandated to work on the bill after it second reading on the floor of the house.

Presenting the report, the chairman of the Committee, Hon Charles Oniyere, Ughelli North One, described the proposed law as germane, adding that the Executive bill is all encompassing and would protect all persons living in Delta state.

He said that in carrying out the assignment, the committee met severally to analyze and scrutinize the content of bill, saying that opinions and views of members were of immense importance in making the final draft of the bill.

With the submission of the report on the bill and suspension of order 77, 78 and 79 of the house rule, the Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere, moved for members to resolve into Committee of the whole to immediately consider the report of the House Committee on Rules, Business, Legal Matters.

At the Committee of Whole, the bill was considered clause by clause, section by sections, with necessary amendments proposed, some adopted, while others rejected.

The motion for the third reading of the bill and subsequent passage was moved by the House Leader, Hon Tim Owhefere, seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata and adopted.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori commended members for their commitment towards the passage of the bill, adding that the bill would help to reduce gender violence in the state.

Rt Hon Oborevwori stated that the passage of the bill signifies hope for victims of violence in private and public life in the state, stressing that its benefits can not be over emphasized as it touches almost every aspect of humility.

Mr Speaker maintained that the proposed law is a clear riot act against perpetrators of violence and those who subject others to inhuman treatments.

He explained further that there is no doubt that with the new law, sexual and gender based violence will be reduced to the barest minimum in the state.