An executive bill, seeking the prohibition of street begging, has scaled second reading in Katsina State House of Assembly.
According to reports, the bill, presented to the assembly by Governor Aminu Masari, scaled the second reading during plenary on Monday.
The bill was first read before the assembly on June 30 by the Majority Leader, Abubakar Abukur.
Mr Abukur revealed that the bill sought to complement the ongoing efforts by state government at repatriating Almajiris to their home states as well as sanitizing the Tsangaya system of education.
According to him, the bill, if passed, would help in addressing the menace of street begging.
He explained that most of the children roaming the streets grew up to become threats to national security.
The lawmaker added that if the bill eventually become law, it would provide a four-year sentence for defaulters or an option of N10, 000 fine.
Mr Abukur said that anyone found guilty for the second time would be taken to his/her country, state or local government of origin.
The bill scaled the second reading, following series of deliberations by the lawmakers during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tasi’u Maigari.
Mr Maigari said that members of the assembly would continue to deliberate on the bill due to its importance to the development of the state.
Accordingf to reports, the bill was submitted to the joint House Committee on Religious Affairs and Social Development, with a six-week deadline to present its report.
NAN
