There was a heated debate on Tuesday at the Delta State House of Assembly as lawmakers clashed over the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Amendment Bill, 2025, during its second reading on the floor of the House.
The plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, saw lawmakers passionately express different opinions about the proposed amendment, which seeks to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights and regulate the powers of law enforcement agencies.
Leading the debate, Hon. Matthew Omonade, who represents Ughelli North I Constituency and sponsored the bill, said the amendment became necessary following widespread public complaints about rights violations by some security officers.
He explained that the bill aims to fill existing gaps in the law by making it mandatory for law enforcement officers to obtain a court order or arrest warrant before making an arrest.
According to him, the proposed law also seeks to establish a mobile court to handle VAP-related offences quickly and fairly. Hon. Omonade further emphasized that certain issues, such as indecent dressing, should not be treated as crimes.
“This amendment will help promote justice and ensure that citizens’ rights are respected by those enforcing the law,” Hon. Omonade said.
However, the proposal drew mixed reactions from other lawmakers.
While members such as Hon. Frank Esenwa, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor, Hon. Charles Emetulu, and the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, strongly supported the amendment, describing it as a bold and timely step to protect the people, others voiced concerns that it could weaken law enforcement operations.
Those opposed to the bill — including Hon. Festus Okoh, Hon. Odoir Bernard, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, Hon. Oloye Pereotu, and Hon. Isaac Anwuzia — argued that restricting arrests without a warrant could slow down security response and hinder police efficiency.
“While we agree that human rights must be protected, we must also ensure that security agencies have the freedom to act swiftly when necessary,” one of the opposing lawmakers said.
After a long and intense debate, the House eventually conducted a voice vote, and the majority supported the bill. The VAP Amendment Bill was then referred to the House Committee on Rules, Business, and Judiciary for further review and legislative action.
Earlier in the session, the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, congratulated teachers across the state on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, praising their hard work and dedication to shaping the future generation.
Under personal explanations, Hon. Charles Emetulu (Ndokwa West) and Hon. Blessing Achoja (Ethiope West) expressed appreciation to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for ongoing road construction projects in their constituencies.
Also, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu (Oshimili South) used the opportunity to remember the Asaba massacre of October 7, 1967, where thousands of innocent lives were lost. She urged that the tragic event be preserved in the nation’s history as a reminder of Nigeria’s painful past.
The VAP Amendment Bill, 2025, will now move to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny before returning to the floor of the House for its third reading and possible passage into law.
