The Rivers State Violence Against Persons Bill HA2 has passed second reading on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The bill which was read during plenary on Tuesday was committed to a committee and will be subjected to a public hearing before the final reading in the house.
The bill co-sponsored by Hon Martin Amaehule and Hon Sam Ogeh, when signed into law is intended to eliminate violence on persons and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons, provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders especially rape and other related matters.
Similarly, the Rivers State Dehumanizing and Harmful Practice Abolition Amendment Bill 2019 which was sponsored by Sam Ogeh who represents Emohua State constituency was also given a second reading.
The bill when signed into law will criminalize all forms intentional injuries on persons.
According to the bill, a person who willfully causes or inflicts physical injuries on a person by means of any weapon, substance or object commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 5 years or a fine of N500,000.
Also, Coercion or engaging in an act to the detriment of another person, physical or psychological wellbeing commits an offence liable to 3 years imprisonment while Willfully placing a person in fear leading to physical injury, commits an offence of 2 years imprisonment or fine of N200,000.
A person who aids and counsels another person to commit the offence is liable to conviction of 1-year imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.
