VAPP BILL : Participants sue for practicability of the bill
Participants at a Public Hearing on a bill for Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, have emphasised on the practicability of the bill when passed into law.
These they said would ensure that the enforcement and implementation bodies are guided.
In a presentation the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba said the proposed VAPP bill is a well taught out bill with measures to protect women, children, vulnerable and persons living with disability.
She said when passed the bill would mitigate all violence against persons in both public and private life.
A lecturer, Moses Etina while observing that the bill should accommodate alternative dispute resolution said that the bill should not be left on the table of government alone as non governmental organisations should be able to source for funds from donors to help victims.
Representative of Lokoja Goodwill Widows Association, Elizabeth Adegbola, who endorsed the bill said the proposed bill should include prohibition of violence against Widows.
On his part the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Idris Miliki said the structure of the bill is inconsistent as it is a gender bill referring to both sexes and not just violence against women.
Also representative of Federation of International Women Lawyers, FIDA, Christiana Adejumo, who was technical, said a trust fund should be set up for the victims and commended the drafters and sponsoes of the bill.
Chairman of the of the house joint committee on Justice and Judiciary and that of Women Affairs, Cosmas Atabor said emotions should no be part of law making process as the committee would be thorough in carrying out its assignment on the bill.
He assured participants at the public hearing that the committee would ensure a near perfect law as the bill when passed into law will affect persons positively for those on the side of the law and negatively for those against the law.
The Chairperson Challenge Parenthood Initiative, Eunice Agbogun, appreciated the kogi state Assembly for considering the proposed VAPP bill.
She said that the bill when passed into law would protect vulnerable people in the society.