The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed Violence
against Persons (Prohibition) Bill which seeks to prohibit female circumcision
or genital mutilation, forceful ejection from home and harmful widowhood
practices. The bill also prohibits abandonment of spouse, children and other
dependents without sustenance, battery and harmful traditional practices.
The Bill was sponsored by the Leader of the Senate,
Victor Ndoma-Egba. It is also intended to eliminate violence in private and
public life and provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims
of violence, and punishment of offenders.
The bill equally prohibits economic abuse, forced
isolation and separation from family and friends, substance attack, depriving
persons of their liberty, incest, indecent exposure, among others.
In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike
Ekweremadu, who presided at the session, said that the passage of the bill
would provide adequate protection for the vulnerable in the society and punish
those who take advantage of them.
He commended the senators and other stakeholders for
their efforts in ensuring that the bill was passed, adding that it was a good
step in the fight against violence in the society.
“The primary responsibility of government is to
protect lives and property and as a responsible arm of government, our primary
responsibility is to enact laws that will not only protect our people, but also
protect their property.
“Today, we have discharged one of our
responsibilities to the vulnerable in terms of violence. Congratulations for
this achievement,’’ he said.
NAN.
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