Delta Assembly Passes Law to Protect Public and Private Properties in the State

By Iteveh Ekpokpobe

As part of effort to curtail trespass and circumvention of landed property, Delta State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, passed into law, the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law.

The law as passed prohibits forceful entry and illegal occupation of public and private landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to public and private landed properties and for other purposes connected therewith in Delta State.

The law which hit the house on the instance of the state executive, posits that a person who commits an offence under the provision of subsection one and two shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years or a fine of N500,000 or both.

The house passed the law following a motion for the house to resolve itself into a Committee of Whole by the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere and seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Oboro Preyor.

Presiding over plenary after Committee of Whole Consideration of the bill, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, said the bill was given a clause by clause and section by section consideration.

Oborevwori said requisite contributions were also made and effected on the bill during the Committee of Whole consideration.

He commended the members for their patience and contributions towards the perfection of the bill adding that it reflects the commitment of the house to the protection of Deltans.

The Majority Leader, Owhefere thereafter moved for the passage of the bill and was seconded by member representing Aniocha South, Hon. Angela Nwaka.

The bill was unanimously passed by the house following a voice vote by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.