A bill that will make female circumcision a criminal offence has scaled first reading at the Rivers state house of Assembly.
The bill which is a private member bill was sponsored by the leader of the house, Martin Amaewhule, who represents Obio Akpor constituency 1.
Other bills that also scaled through first reading on Thursday include the Rivers State Violence Against Persons prohibition bill 2019 sponsored by both Hon Martin Amaehule and Hon Sam Ogeh.
The bills, when signed into law will 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.
Also passed first reading was the Rivers State dehumanizing and harmful practice abolition amendment bill 2019 which was sponsored by Sam Ogeh who represents Emohua state constituency.
When this bill is signed into law, it becomes a criminal offence when one intentionally inflicts 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.
