A bill that seeks a six month prison term for persons who jump queues in public places have scaled second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike from Kwara State, is to ensure that Nigerians conduct themselves orderly in public places.
Speaking, the bill sponsor, Hon. Amuda-Kannike , told the lawmakers on Thursday that it was normal practice for some Nigerians to distort queues and go unpunished.
Hon. Amuda-Kannike added that recent events had shown that Nigeria was on the verge of losing its cherished sense of nationalism, cultural identity and hospitality.
“The bill underscores the need to re-awaken a derailed national culture by proposing disciplinary measures to guide Nigerians in their daily behaviours.
“In our society today, out of total disregard for other persons, who strive to do the right thing by conducting themselves orderly in public places, a large number of Nigerians distort queues and go unpunished,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the bill if passed would provide a starting point of value and cultural re-orientation in the country.
The lawmaker decried the prevailing level of corruption, indiscipline, disrespect to elders and the rule of law in the country.
Also speaking in support of the bill, Honourable Sam Onuigbo from Abia State noted that “it will be nice for us to be seen as orderly people from the point of entry into the country”.
After the debate, the bill was passed for third reading through a unanimous voice vote.