Gov Dickson Sign New Bills Into Law

The era of signing bills does not seem to end. Just as former president Goodluck Jonathan, was vigorously signing bills two days before he left office, Bayerlsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson has signed a bill into law in the state.

Seriake Dickson

Dickson on Tuesday signed the into law the ‘Widows and Widowers’ Protection Bill, 2015′ at the state Government House,Yenagoa, following passage by the
state House of Assembly.
Speaking at the signing the governor said , “Henceforth, marriage to a relation of a deceased spouse against the individual’s wish and compelling a widow or widower to do any of the several acts contained in the law would be considered unlawful.”
The governor said the bill was structured in such a way that favour ‘vulnerable groups’ especially widows and widowers who were force to get married against their wishes, though he said the widows were more vulnerable.
The ancient practice has been described as inhumane by different social activist group  who decry its negative impact on cultures in different parts of the state.
Meanwhile on Wednesday the senate passed 46 bills into law in less than 10-minute period.
The quick passage of bills, all introduced by Senator Ita Enang, was reported to have generated furious reactions among other senators.