Senate Passes Bill Criminalizing 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.

Source: NAN