7th July, 2018
The District Head, Kaduna Central, Doka, who is also Bunun Zazzau , Alhaji Bala Tijjani, has raised concern for the increase in the number of cases of domestic violence in the state.
The traditional leader made this known on Saturday in Kano at the two-day retreat on Legislative Advocacy Campaign for the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill, (VAPP).
He advised the lawmakers on the need for the speedy passage of the bill in the state, considering the increase in the number of cases of domestic violence against all groups of persons in the state and the country at large.
“Years ago, our parents could comfortably leave us in the care of neighbours without fear. But that has changed now. We now see where our children as young as three years old are being violated on a daily basis.
“This is why as a traditional voice, I see the need for our lawmakers to ensure the passage of the bill, ” he said.
He said anyone could be vulnerable to violence whether as children or adults and everyone must put in efforts to reduce the trend.
On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Goro , the sponsor of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill, said the two-day retreat was aimed at ensuring that all issues are addressed before the bill passes the second reading at the Assembly.
He expressed delight at the turn out of assembly members at the retreat, which showed the level of awareness by the members and their resolve to domesticate it in Kaduna State.
“I am happy with the resource persons, as the topics were discussed in such a way that we all understand the need for the law.
“The questions being asked by the members are the kind of sensitive things we want to bring out, so that when we are dealing with the bill we will know how to handle issues contained in it.
“We can also consider alternative punitive measures in some instances,” he explained.
Also speaking, member representing Makarfi Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Bello Gimi, described the bill as a necessity.
“The bill is very important looking at the issues raised therein, especially violence against persons irrespective of status.
“The House will look at the bill very well and definitely pass it in Kaduna state, so that it will help curtail domestic violence, which is now on the increase.
Chairman House Committee on Due Process and SDGs, Hon. Markus Yari, reiterated the need to look at the bill from all angles and ensure acceptability during the public hearing.
He said, “we will look at it vis-à-vis other existing laws in the state and do the needful. It is not all about making the law but implementation is key.
In a goodwill message, Deputy Country Director, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Desmond Esegbabon, expressed optimism that the bill would receive necessary attention from the lawmakers.
He said NDI was impressed that the retreat took place as planned with an impressive turn out.
“We are to support Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) to see that the objectives of the meeting are achieved.
“It appears issues of violence against persons is becoming rampant, which may be the reason the Federal Government signed the act in 2015. We are also supporting the passage of the same bill in Enugu and Bayelsa States as pilot phases.
Earlier, Executive Director, GAT, Dr Lydia Umar, said “the need for the state to have VAAP bill was very germane.
“Anyone in Nigeria and our state know that violence against all groups of persons is on the increase.
“Today is the milestone and the peak of what we are looking forward to. Having a retreat with our honourable members is to dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s.
According to her, they want to provide a platform to resolve contentious issues and seek for inclusion of mutually agreed language that will strengthen chances of the bill getting adopted.”
The two-day retreat was organised by Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) with the support of National Democratic Institute (NDI) on legislative campaign for the adoption of the VAPP Bill in Kaduna State.