A bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of touting and related activities in all sectors in Anambra State has scale through second reading at plenary.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the Majority Leader Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme while leading the motion said if passed into law, the bill will increase the peace in Anambra State.
Hon. Ofodeme who is the member representing Ekwusigo constituency in his submission stated that the illegal activities of touts motivated the sponsoring of the bill.
” This bill when passed into law will end the practice of faking government documents because Anambra state IGR is been diverted.
Speaking in support of the bill, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Jude Akpua (Njikoka two), Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru one), Hon. Obi Nweke (Anambra East). Hon. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South one), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two), Hon. Augustine Ikeh (Nnewi North) and
Hon. Jude Umenajiego (Onitsha South two) called for the speedy passage of the bill into law.
” Touting is a crime that is punishable. Touts are criminals and should be treated as one.
“At the Onitsha head bridge, they pick pockets, snatch peoples bag and phones.
‘This bill if passed into law will bring back sanity, restore peace and tranquility in Anambra State.
” It will increase the revenue base of the state because all the loopholes and lekages will be blocked and the state will have enough funds to carry out its developmental projects.
” Touting is a manace to the society and hinders development. It is also a minus to the revenue generation of the state.
” Touting breeds criminality and illegalities. We cant continue this way. It is a hindrence to the prosperous society which is the target of Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration.
” This bill will regulate the activities of the anti-touting and will empower the supervisory committee who will monitor the activities of anti-tout agency”.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze referred the bill to the joint house committee on homeland and boundary affairs chaired by Hon. Jude Umenajiego and committee on Judiciary and Justice chaired by Hon. Patrick Okafor who were urged to report back to the house in one week time.
The house adjourned to Wednesday 21 February 2024.
