By Onomiguren Agbamu
It was an engaging session on Tuesday at the Delta State House of Assembly as the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Amendment Bill, 2025, scaled second reading amid robust debate on the floor of the House.
Presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the plenary witnessed intense deliberations from lawmakers both supporting and against the proposed amendment.
Leading the debate, the sponsor of the bill and member representing Ughelli North I Constituency, Hon. Matthew Omonade, said the amendment was necessitated by recent public outcry over cases of rights violations by law enforcement agents.
He explained that the proposed amendment seeks to address gaps in the existing law by introducing provisions requiring an arrest warrant or court order before any arrest by security operatives.
Hon. Omonade further proposed the establishment of a mobile court to handle VAP-related offences, stressing that certain issues such as indecent dressing should not be treated as criminal offences.
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Frank Esenwa, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor, Hon. Charles Emetulu, and the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, supported the amendment, describing it as a timely intervention aimed at protecting citizens’ rights.
However, other members — Hon. Festus Okoh, Hon. Odoir Bernard, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, Hon. Oloye Pereotu, and Hon. Isaac Anwuzia; opposed the bill, arguing that it could weaken enforcement mechanisms and hinder the work of law enforcement agencies.
After exhaustive debate, the bill received majority support through a voice vote and was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Rules, Business and Judiciary for further legislative scrutiny.
Earlier, the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, congratulated teachers across the state on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, commending their dedication to shaping the future generation.
Under personal explanations, Hon. Charles Emetulu (Ndokwa West) and Hon. Blessing Achoja (Ethiope West) expressed appreciation to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for ongoing road projects in their constituencies.
Also, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu (Oshimili South) used the opportunity to recall the October 7, 1967 Asaba massacre, where thousands of indigenes lost their lives, urging that the tragic event be remembered as part of Nigeria’s history.
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