Senate passes bill to criminalize female genital mutilation

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.