Source: Daily Trust 
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) is pushing for the Senate to pass a long-held bill prohibiting violence against persons in attempts to make it possible to prosecute "some obnoxious customary practises and other forms of violence which is prevalent in Nigeria today."

In comments marking International Women's Day, FIDA'a Nigeria chapter said it wanted the country's legislators to "make it happen" for Nigerian women by passing the bill before the present assembly winds up, in accordance with the theme for this year's day.

The bill, labelled Violence Against Persons' Prohibition (VAPP), is "the only holistic legal instrument that succinctly addressed issues of gender based violence, domestic violence, some obnoxious customary practises and other forms of violence which is prevalent in Nigeria today," said the association's president Hauwa Shekarau.

The association also is worried about "persistent and consistent rise" in gender-based violence throughout the country.

In particular, it points to the "rape of minors and inadequate legal framework to prosecute such atrocious acts.

The demand comes after VAPP was heard at the senate on March 2, and FIDA said it wanted lawmakers "not to relent until the bill is passed."

"As we get enthralled with the current politicking for presidential and Governorship elections, lets us remember to continue to push the senate to 'Make it Happen' for us," said Shekarau.

 

• Nigeria