A bill for a law to prohibit secret cultism and similar activities and to provide for related matters on Wednesday scaled through second reading at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Angel Network News (ANN) recalls that the bill which was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo constituency Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme was red for the first time on Tuesday.
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Leading the debate Hon. Ofodeme stated that the fight against cultism involves all especially the church, parents and institutions.
“Cultism has gone beyond activities in school, it has spread down to our villages and streets.Â
“This is a life saving bill because cultism has triggered the taking of illicit drugs which enable cultists carry out most of the killings they are doing.
” By the time we pass this bill into law, i am convinced that anyone who commits the offences weather through conspiracy, sponsoring or supporting cult activities, will face the consequences.
“The 8th Assembly is willing in making Anambra state a livable and prosperous homeland which is the mission and vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.Â
“This bill is out to curb and monitor activities in hotels, eatries and night clubs become cultists use some of this places for their meetings, relaxation and social activities.Â
” Cult members kill people without considering that life is precious. Non of them can come out and say they have achieved anything through cultism.Â
“Cultism has become a way of life and when we dont use the law to fight it, people will not understand the meaning of what they are doing.Â
“Cultism has spread to even during elections, thugs who disguise themselves as supports involve in ballot box snatching, shootings and rigging.
“Governor Chukwuma Soludo in his wisdom initiated ‘One youth, two skills’ in other to keep your minds occupied.Â
“He who leaves by gun or knief, dies by it and the only way we can check-mate this activities is through the law’. The Majority Leader concluded.
Supporting the bill, Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili (Ihiala One) and Kingsley Udemezie (Idemili North) in their different submissions highlighted the demages and menace of cultism in the society. They called for speedy passage of the bill.
” Cultism has rendered many of our youths useless and this bill is coming at the right time.Â
” Any member of a secret cult who renounce his membership and submit any offensive weapon to the police shall be free from persecution, under this law.
” Accounding to the law, renounciation shall be made by sworn affidavit which shall be submitted to the Authouny General.
” Rehabilitation agencies shall create rehabilitation centers were persons who renounce their membership of secret cult or any proscribed society, shall receive councilling.Â
” This bill is not just about punishing our youths who are cultist, it is also giving out olive branch for people who wants to renounce cultism and leave a better life.
” The earlier we act, the better for us because cultism is tearing our society apart. Cultism breeds insecurity”.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze referred the bill to a joint committee of Education chaired by Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke and committee on Judiciary and Justice Hon. Patrick Okafor.
The Speaker urged the joint committees to report back to the house in three weeks
The sitting was adjurned to Thursday 11th April 2024
