By Anne Azuka
The Delta State House of Assembly has advanced the Delta State Prevention and Prohibition of Destruction and Vandalization of Public Properties and Assets Bill, 2024, through its second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. (Chief) James Augoye, who represents Okpe State Constituency and chairs the Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, is co-sponsored by 19 other lawmakers.
Hon. Augoye, leading the debate, emphasized that the bill aims to criminalize the vandalization of public properties across all sectors within the state. Drawing from his experience as a former Commissioner for Works, he recounted the extensive damage to public assets he witnessed during his tenure.
“Dear colleagues, this bill is born out of my experience as Commissioner for Works in the State. During my tours across various local government areas, I observed how public properties were deliberately destroyed by some miscreants,” Hon. Augoye stated.
He described instances where service providers recklessly cut sections of roads and pipes and cases where individuals poured acid on roads, creating artificial potholes. He also recounted how a classroom block at Ugbokodo Secondary School was set ablaze by youths allegedly hunting rabbits.
“The latest trend involves vandalizing and burning electric wires in public buildings, as well as similar acts on our bridges. The list of such vandalism is endless,” Augoye added.
Hon. Augoye emphasized that this growing trend is unacceptable and requires immediate legal intervention. The bill, which consists of six parts and 53 clauses, outlines strict penalties for offenders, aiming to deter future acts of vandalism.
“My dear colleagues, we must support this bill to protect our collective assets. We need a legal framework to curb the menace of vandalism of public properties,” Augoye urged.
Several lawmakers, including Majority Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Chief Whip Perkins Umukoro, and members representing Bomadi, Ika North East, Burutu 2, Oshimili North, Patani, and Oshimili South constituencies, voiced strong support for the bill. They argued that the vandalization of public assets significantly hampers service delivery and praised Hon. Augoye for his thorough presentation.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor commended the quality of the debate and referred the bill to the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privileges for further legislative action, directing the committee to submit its report within two weeks.
