Source: Independentngonline
Abuja — The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, and other partners have called on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to, as a matter of urgency, expedite action on the passage of the Violence Against Persons' Prohibition (VAPP) Bill before the end of this 7th Assembly.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, National President of FIDA, Nigeria, Hauwa Shekarau, reiterated that the VAPP Bill is the only holistic legal instrument that succinctly address issues of gender-based violence (GBV).

She said the bill would also address domestic violence, some obnoxious customary practises and other forms of violence, which are prevalent in Nigeria.

Represented by Ogechi Abu, the FIDA national president said: "Worried by the persistent and consistent rise in GBV in Nigeria, especially the rape of minor and inadequate legal framework to prosecute such atrocious acts, FIDA Nigeria charges the Senate to prioritise the passage of the VAPP Bill in the interest of society.

"FIDA Nigeria uses this opportunity to urge the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to 'Make it Happen' for the Nigerian women, children and vulnerable groups by passing the Violence Against Persons' Prohibition (VAPP) Bill before the end of this 7th Assembly."

On his part, speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Independent, gender expert and Senior Facilitator with Gender Technical Unit (GTU), Tordue Nyitse, expressed optimism that with the way the Senate has shown interest in the bill, it would be passed before the end of the 7th Assembly.

He said: "I think it will be passed because the tempo is high. I was there during the public hearing and the expression of the senators because of the presentation and representations made by the civil society organisations and other partners were so compelling.

"From my observations, the senators were convinced that the bill should be passed and they actually said they will fast track all legislative processes to ensure that the bill is passed."

On the way forward if the bill is not passed by the current Assembly, Nyitse said: "Well, we are hoping that the bill is passed in the life of this assembly, but for anything that happen and the bill is not passed, it will need to be re introduced in the next Assembly."

• Nigeria