Kwara Speaker assure NGOs of accelerated passage of VAPP Bill

July 20th, 2020

The Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu has assured that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill will be given accelerated passage, without jettisoning due process, by the 9th legislature.

Danladi-Salihu made this disclosure while addressing members of selected nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), coordinated by the Commissioner for social development and women affairs - Aremu Bose Deborah at the Kwara state House of Assembly complex, Ilorin, Monday, a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Ibrahim Sheriff said.

"We received the VAPP bill and passed first reading on Thursday, 16th July, 2020 and I want to assure you we will give it accelerated passage, as the 9th Assembly is known for efficiency in discharging our lawful duties. We will however ensure necessary legislative procedures are adhered and also invite you all for a COVID-19 compliant public hearing, once we get to that stage.

"It is insane to rape, especially minors. It was part of issues that topped discussions at the recent meeting of Northern Speakers Forum and we are united to fight this menace head-on, because it protects our mother and children", Danladi-Salihu said.

The lawmaker furthered that the Kwara state VAPP Bill will not only protect women, but men also would be protected under it, noting that there are also reports of cases of rape and violence against male individuals.

The Commissioner for social development and women affairs had earlier urged the State House of Assembly to speedily pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill, while lauding the consideration of the bill by the 9th Assembly. 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of social development and women affairs, - Hajia Afusat Nike Ibrahim in her remarks said "VAPP is an emergency, we want an accelerated passage of the bill, considering the rampant cases of violence against women, to serve as deterrent for perpetrators of crimes such as rape, adding that there are number of children under age thirteen (13) undergoing treatment as a result of violence.

Speaking on behalf of the NGOs, Mrs. Christie Abayomi posited that VAPP, when passed and signed into law, will bridge the vacuum left by other laws that seeks to  protect the female folks.