By Andrew Ikehi
Worried by the rising incidences of open s3x trade and use of illicit drugs among youths in Delta State, particularly Asaba and environs, the Delta State House of Assembly has sought the enforcement of relevant laws for the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
The lawmakers through a motion moved during Wednesday’s plenary by the member representing Oshimili South State Constituency, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, had called on the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to, as a matter of necessity, direct the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and social development as well as law enforcement agencies to do the needful in order to curb the trend.
Hon. Anyafulu who is the Chairman, Assembly committee on Women Affairs, Community and social development, also in the motion, called on the State Governor to direct the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and social development and other relevant government agencies to carry out routine trainings, campaigns and sensitisation programmes in the State, particularly Asaba and environs.
Also, Hon. Anyafulu in the motion, advanced the need for regular counseling, rehabilitation and placement of posters and signage in strategic places to educate and raise awareness on the dangers associated with commercial sex trade and use of illicit drugs.
The motion reads in part; “That this honourable house do now call on the State Governor, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to direct the commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and social development and other relevant government agencies to;
“Carry out trainings, campaigns and sensitisation programmes in Asaba and environs, including counseling, rehabilitation and placement of posters and signage in strategic places to educate and raise awareness on the dangers associated with commercial sex trade and use of illicit drugs.
“Support efforts of law enforcement agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of illicit drug sellers and commercial sex workers in accordance with the applicable laws in the State in order to curb the rising trend of open sex trade and illicit drug use”.
The motion according to Anyafulu, had become imperative as the incidence of open sex trade and use of illicit drugs, if unchecked would continue to pose grave danger to the younger generation.
The motion which was supported by the member representing Ika North East State Constituency, Hon. Marylyn Okowa-Daramola and Deputy Chairman, House committee on Women Affairs, Community and social development was unanimously adopted by the House following a voice vote called by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
