Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Askira, represented the Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA), Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan at the event held in Maiduguri
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA), Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan has lamented over the increasing rate of child sexual abuse in the state.
Hon. Lawan, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, BOSHA, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Askira, stated this while declaring open a one day public hearing on domestication of Child Rights Act in Maiduguri.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the public was organized by the Borno State House Assembly (BOSHA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF).
The speaker noted that the Child Rights Bill before the state assembly which is being subjected to public hearing, if passed into law will ensure the safety and protection of children that are at risk of abuse such as neglected orphans, children whose parents have been convicted of sexual abuse or suffering from mental sickness.
The Speaker, further, assured that similar committees such as Child Rights Implementation Committee and Fosterage Committee will be constituted to serve as watchdog in the implementation of the law when passed into law. He noted that assistance for indigent parents who can not support their children is equally provided in the bill.
“Every day, we hear of increasing reports of violence, abuse and neglect and exploitation against children. Passage of this bill will greatly address the situation in the state especially, when we embark on implementation and enforcement of the law”, Lawan said
The speaker highlighted some important point to include – “the bill is not in conflict with the culture, tradition and beliefs of the good people of Borno. It is an important legislation on the protection of children’s rights and responsibilities of children have been provided, the bill provides family courts, contains measures by state government to support indigent parents and regulates homes for keeping children.”
The Chairman , House Committee on Child Rights Bill 2021, Hon. Mohammed Ali Gajiram said the Child Rights Bill is aimed at making relevant MDAs improve the protection and wellbeing of children.
“Religious leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies have all been engaged at one time or the other during the development stage of the bill. We consider this historic moment ad a moment of history, a moment when parents can stand to support their children by words and actions.
“I am also aware Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Ministry of Justice have made tremendous contributions in reviewing the content of the bill,” Gajiram added.
“The house is ready to pass a bill that is meant for the protection of children without any discrimination. We want to ensure that the bill is not in conflict with the culture, traditions and beliefs of the good people of Borno. I’m fact, the objective of the bill is protection of children and not conflict with our religion, culture and traditions”, Gajiram said .
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Jidda Shuwa, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Political, Ali Mohammed in his goodwill message, said the government is ever ready to support and promote the Child Rights Bill and child protection in the state
He also assured that state government will continue to do everything possible to ensure the implementation of the bill if passed into law .
State Attorney General (SAG) and Hon. State Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan represented by the Director of Citizens Rights, Barrister Bukar Malgwi said the ministry drafted the bill and submitted it to the governor as stakeholders and will continue to contribute its quota were necessary.
Also, the State Commissioner of Ministry of Woman Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo said the ministry first initiated, mobilized and made consultations on the religious, traditional and other community leaders before producing a draft.
She added that the bill was drafted and submitted by the ministry as stakeholders considering the importance of children in the society and which was harmonized with that of the ministry of Justice.
