BY ANDREW IKEHI
A bill for a law to prohibit human trafficking in Delta State has been read the second time on the floor of the State House of Assembly
The Executive bill, which was presented for second reading during yesterday’s plenary by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, gained overwhelming support by the lawmakers as they unanimously spoke in favour of the bill.
Leading the debate, the Majority Leader and member representing Aniocha North State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi said that the proposed law sought to protect victims of human trafficking as well as help them get justice.
According to Nwaobi, the bill, which is made up of 10 parts and 50 clauses, also sought to criminalize the act of human trafficking in the State, saying, “It is heartbreaking to note that human trafficking has been on the increase in the recent years. We will ensure that we put a stop to it in Delta, ‘’.
The Majority Leader also said that the bill, when passed, would ensure the establishment of an Inter-agencies taskforce which would collaborate with neighbouring states to fight against the trend in the State.
According to him, the taskforce, which would be chaired by the Attorney-General of the state, would ensure that offenders of the law were brought to book.
Also speaking in favour of the bill, the Member representing Oshimili South State Constituency, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu commended the state executive for promoting the bill which according to her would go a long way in checking the incidences of human trafficking in the State
According to Anyafulu, a total of 920 persons were trafficked between 2014 and 2022 in the state. ‘’Globally over 21 million people are victims of human trafficking and 78 per cent of them are women and girls, ‘’ she added.
Also, the Chief Whip of the House and Member representing Sapele State Constituency, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, commended the state executive for initiating the proposed law, noting that the proposed establishment of the taskforce would help to arrest the situation.
Others who spoke in favour of the bill include; Hon. Fetus Okoh, (Ika South), Hon. Oboro Preyor (Bomadi), the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, (Ethiope East) and Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola (Ika North East).
While they seek the speedy passage of the bill, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo noted that there is a new twist to the development, cutting instances of organ harvesting.
Consequently, the second reading of the bill was adopted by the lawmakers though a voice vote called by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child and Humanitarian Service for further legislative scrutiny.
