Delta State Special Offenses Court Amendment Bill Passes Second Reading

The Delta State Special Offenses Court Amendment Bill, 2024, has successfully passed its second reading on the floor of the House.

On Wednesday, May 23, 2024, Majority Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi moved the motion for the bill’s second reading, which was seconded by Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Okoh Festus, representing the Ika South State Constituency.

Hon. Nwaobi emphasized that the amendment is straightforward and requires minimal debate, as it simply involves the establishment of two separate courts. The additional court will focus on addressing issues related to sexual and gender-based violence, as well as child abuse, in the state.

Lawmakers, including Frank Esenwah, Arthur Akpovwovwo, Okoh Festus, Oboro Preyor, Ferguson Onwo, and Bridget Anyafulu, expressed their support for the bill, citing the need for timely justice and the importance of restoring sanity to society.

The House unanimously voted in favor of the bill, passing it to the next stage.

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Rules, Business, and Judiciary, as well as the Special Committee on Bills, for further review and reporting back on the next sitting date.