Why we’re supporting VAPP bill in Kaduna State – Lawmakers speak
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“As you can see, the turn out of honourable members at this retreat was impressive. We are suppose to be 19 but 18 of us are here. This shows the level of awareness by the members on the need for the bill to be passed and also to understand the importance of the bill if domesticated in Kaduna state.
“I’m also happy with the resource persons as they discussed the nitty-gritty of their presentations in such a way we all understand why we are here for the retreat.
“Now, the kind of questions you were hearing from the members are the kind of sensitive things we want to bring out so when you are dealing with the bill, you will know how to handle such. We will also consider alternative punitive measures in some instances.”
The above were the words of member and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Kaduna State House of Assembly (KSHA) Hon. Shehu Goro Shadalafiya, the Sponsor of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill in Kaduna State when he spoke to Gobroadsheet about his expectations from colleagues.
Speaking along that line, member representing Makarfi constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Bello Sani Gimi, described the bill as important that must be domesticated in the state due to its advantages.
“The bill is very important looking at the issue raised therein most 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 contain domestic violence which is now on the increase.
“I’m calling on other members of the house to look critically into it and ensure it becomes a law in Kaduna State”, he appealed.
In his own view, member representing and Chairman, Due Process and SDGs, Hon. Markus Zarmai Yari reiterated the need to look at the bill from all angles to ensure acceptability during public hearing.
He said, “we will look at it vis-à-vis other existing laws we have in the state and do the needful. It is not all about making the law but implementation is key.
“We will look at the areas that concern us because there is great concern about molestation in our state; children are molested, women are molested even men are not spared. A lot of harassment taking place everywhere even in offices.
“So like I said, we will look at all that will help us. We want to look at it from all perspectives including religion, tradition and social facets so at the end of the day, no one will claim ignorance”.
Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) with support from National Democratic Institute (NDI) has organised a 2-day legislative campaign retreat for the adoption of the VAPP Bill in Kaduna State between Friday July 6 and Saturday July 7 2018.
THIS REPORT WAS SENT IN BY SOLA OJO