Second reading of a measure to outlaw secret cults and related activities as well as other connected things has been approved.
In the Anambra State House of Assembly’s plenary session, the measure passed second reading.
The majority leader’s bill, which Sir Ikenna Ofodeme is sponsoring on behalf of the Ekwusigo Constituency, aims to outlaw cultism in all its manifestations in Anambra State.
Sir Ikenna, who chaired the discussion, declared that everyone must battle cultism, citing in particular the church, parents, and institutions. He revealed that the threat has extended beyond school activities to include streets and communities.
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He stated that the bill is vital because cultism has led to drug usage, which has allowed cultists to carry out the majority of the killings they do, disclosing that if the bill is passed into law, anyone who commits the offence whether through conspiracy, sponsoring or supporting cult activities, will face the consequences.
According to Sir Ikenna, the state house of Assembly is dedicated to achieving Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s goal of making Anambra state a successful and livable home.
Chief Whip and member for Ihiala Constituency One, Barrister Jude Ngobili, supported the bill. In separate submissions, he and his counterpart from Idemili North, Honourable Kingsley Udemezie, emphasised the harm and threat posed by cultism in society and urged the bill’s swift passage.
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The bill was referred to a joint committee on education led by Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke and a committee on judiciary and justice led by Barrister Patrick Okafor by the Speaker of the Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze.
In three weeks, the Speaker requested the joint committees to report back to the house.
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