A bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of secret cult and similar activities and related matters has passed second reading.

 

The bill scaled through second reading during plenary at the Anambra State House of Assembly.

 

The bill sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme seeks to prohibit all forms of cultism in Anambra State.

 

Leading the debate, Sir Ikenna stated that the fight against cultism involves all especially the church, parents and institutions, disclosing that the menace has gone beyond activities in schools and has spread down to villages and streets.

 

He noted that it is a lifesaving bill because cultism has triggered the taking of illicit drugs which enabled cultists carry out most of the killings they do, disclosing that if the bill is passed into law, anyone who commits the offence whether through conspiracy, sponsoring or supporting cult activities, will face the consequences.

 

Sir Ikenna said the state house of Assembly is committed to making Anambra state a livable and prosperous homeland which is the mission and vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

 

Supporting the bill, Chief Whip and member representing Ihiala Constituency One, Barrister Jude Ngobili, his Idemili North counterpart, Honourable Kingsley Udemezie in their different submissions, highlighted the damages and menace of cultism in the society and called for speedy passage of the bill.

 

The Speaker of the Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze referred the bill to a joint committee of Education chaired by Honourable Anayo Okpalaeke and committee on Judiciary and Justice, Chaired by Barrister Patrick Okafor.

 

The Speaker urged the joint committees to report back to the house in three weeks.