The Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu has constituted an ad hoc committee to look into issues of masquerade harassment and abuse and recommend ways to curb the menace which is infringing on human rights.
Setting up the committee is in response to the motion of urgent public importance moved by Malachy Okey Onyechi, member representing Nsukka West State Constituency and Chairman, of the House Committee on Chieftaincy, culture and Tourism.
The motion seeks to address the abuse of human rights, threat to life, and destruction of properties by Masquerades in Nsukka West constituency and for Nsukka Local-related places in Enugu state.
Moving the motion on Thursday at the Hallowed Chamber, the Chairman Committee on Chieftaincy, culture, and Tourism sighted atrocities of these masquerades in the Nsukka area especially the most recent attack on a young nurse making waves on social media.
“On the 29th of April 2024, a young Nurse, Miss Blessing Ogbonna was assaulted by a masquerade in Nsukka. The attack was vicious and left her hospitalized. I have reached out to her to assess the damage and offer my support. But this would not be the first time, as there abounds documentary evidence on violence by misguided masquerade and their followers.”
“Essentially, this motion aims to harmonize practices, and rules of engagement in the practice of masquerade as part of cultural exhibition, entertainment, or commercial purposes in a way that safeguard parties from abuse. This call for concern does not lose sight of situations where masquerade has been unjustly treated either by individuals, organized groups, or security agencies. Therefore, this motion is not intended to witch-hunt anybody, or group but to harmonize systems and practices,” Malachy Onyechi said.
Reacting to the motion, members concurred with the need for action to be taken to stop the ugly trend of attacks on the public.
Clifford Nnaemeka Obe, a member representing Igbo Eze North 11 called for a temporary ban on masquerading till a resolution on their activities is determined.
Obe further suggested that given the menace caused by these masquerades, there should be proper documentation of all masquerades in the state and name or number tags given to them.
This he said is for easy identification and prosecution if any attack persons or destroys properties.
Supporting that masquerading in Enugu state should be regulated, Harrison Ogara member representing Igboeze South constituency alleged that some persons who engage in it are cultists who hide under the regalia of masquerade to mete out vicious attacks on their enemies.
The ad hoc committee set up will be chaired by the mover of the motion and Chairman of Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Tourism; other members of the committee are Harrison Ogara Chairman House Committee on Information; and Jane Eneh Chairman Gender Affairs.
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