Violence Against Women
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on Nigerians to sponsor private bills on violence against women.
Tambuwal, who was represented by his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, made the call yesterday in Abuja during the opening of a White Ribbon Conference tagged: "Nigerian Youth and the Rape Challenge."
The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth Development to enlighten the public on the menace of rape in the society.
He said, "Anyone can sponsor a private bill through any member of the House of Representative to highlight the evil and danger of rape in our society which I believed would be attended to as soon as it is presented.
"I expect that to be before the House quickly, in order to have law backing sanctioning of the perpetrators."
He also advocated for the use of religious leaders to campaign against rape in the society. He later unveiled the white ribbon for the campaign against rape.
Youth Development Minister, Abdullahi Bolaji, lamented the rise in rape cases, noting that hardly a month passes without a case of rape in the country.
"A girl was raped by ten men recently in Bayelsa State and another female corps member by two men in Kano State," he said.
He attributed the increase to lack of proper legislation to apprehend and punish perpetrators.
Agatha Amata, a television producer who spoke at the event, said most men blamed the act on indecent dressing and blamed parents for failing in their duties.
There were testimonies by two victims who are currently receiving treatment in Yenegoa , Bayelsa State.