Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to prohibit secret cultism and similar activities, and to provide for related matters.
The executive bill was read for the third time and passed during yesterday’s plenary session after it underwent thorough consideration in the Committee of the whole.
The bill provides for the imprisonment upon conviction of any person who is a member of a secret cult, commit an offense; whether or not in possession of offensive weapon for life or minimum of 21 years imprisonment.
The bill aimed at curbing secret cultism and related offenses in the state, will provide a legal framework to prohibit and penalize such behaviors, and associated crimes.
Commenting on the bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, said the law will go a long way in saving lives of the people and empower authorities to take decisive actions against cultism.
He thanked the legislators for their support to the executive, towards the progress of Anambra State, adding that the bill when signed by the Governor, will signal a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to further promote peace, security, and social cohesion in the state.
Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, acknowledged the recent outcry regarding cult activities and stressed the law’s importance in addressing the issue.
He noted that the bill set to come into force on May 7, 2024, upon the Governor’s assent, is seen as a pivotal step in salvaging the situation.
The Speaker commended legislators for their efforts in the bill’s speedy passage, which received unanimous support through a voice vote.
