Nigerians who 'jump queues' may spend 6-months in jail

The House of Representatives have passed for third reading a bill seeking six-month imprisonment for persons who distort queues.

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Fuel queue in Abuja

 (Vanguard)

In a few months, Nigerians who distort queues may spend six months in jail.

This is because, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have passed for third reading a bill seeking six-month imprisonment for persons who distort queues.

Speaking at plenary on Thursday, June 1, 2017, sponsor of the bill, Abubakar Amuda-Kannike said the bill would ensure that Nigerians conduct themselves in an orderly manner in public.

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Abubakar Amuda-Kannike

 (Chronicle)

The Kwara state lawmaker argued 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,” he said.

“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.

“The bill if passed shall provide a starting point of value and cultural re-orientation in Nigeria.

“The bill underscores the need to re-awaken the derailed national culture by proposing disciplinary measures to guide Nigerians in their daily behaviours.

“Any nation that is not organised cannot have rapid growth.

“We should be seen as organised people from point of entry but we have accepted that anything goes.

“Every school should have civic education in its curriculum to instil patriotism and orderliness in the country,” the lawmaker said.

Meanwhile, a bill seeking to establish the South-East Development Commission was quashed by lawmakers in the House same day.