Senate not paying attention to bill on prohibited persons – experts

By A’isha Biola Raji

In a bid to eliminate violence in the society, an expert has called on the Senate chamber of the National Assembly to hasten the passage of VAPP bill.

Barr. Hauwa Shekarau, National president of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said this in Abuja at a sensitization workshop on Violence against Persons Prohibited (VAPP) bill for members of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) in collaboration with Ipas.

According to Barr Hauwa, the bill is a brain child of 50 Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) which is aimed at proffering a lasting solution to rape, incest, physical assault and marital rape. “Rape is not only peculiar to women hence the change in the name of the bill from VAW (Violence against Women) to VAPP”, she pointed.

She said the bill which was initiated in 2002 was passed by the lower chamber of the House in 2013 but is still waiting for the Senate to concur up to this moment.

She listed the advantages of bill including setting up of funds for victims of violence aside from the appropriate punishment of offenders. “Women during this campaign period should ask the crucial question of what politicians are going to do for them when elected with emphasis on VAPP bill”, she advised.

In his presentation, Sheik Nurudeen Lemu, Islamic Education Trust Fund, Da’wah Institute of Nigeria said the VAPP bill should be passed without looking at its origin but its value and what the society stands to gain from it.

The Ipas country Director, Mrs Lola Mabogunje said the bill is being frustrated because the owners of the bill are not aware of its existence hence the sensitisation program.

In her welcome remark, the FOMWAN Ameera, Abuja chapter, Hajia Raliat Akinbobola urged law makers to hasten the passage of the bill as it will improve both social and economic development of the country.