Deputy Speaker flagging-off the hearing in Maiduguri
The Borno House of Assembly on Wednesday held a Public Hearing on domestication of Child Rights Act for the state.
Flagging-off the hearing, the Deputy Speaker of Borno Assembly, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Askira who represented the Speaker, said provisions had been made in the bill that would make relevant MDAs improve the protection and wellbeing of children.
“Every day we hear increasing report of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation against children.
“Passage of this bill will greatly address he situation in the state especially when we embark on implementation and enforcement of the law.
“As part of our people oriented policy, we felt getting the opinion of the people on this important bill will be a decision in the direction.
“We therefore invited you to hear your thoughts and feelings on the content of the bill. We are hopeful that your contributions will further enhance the quality the bill,” he said.
While urging for fruitful deliberations on the bill, Askira announced that Gov. Babagana Zulum has shown commitment to signing the bill into law as soon as it was passed by the house.
In his remarks, the Chairman the House Ad hoc Committee on Child Rights Bill, Alhaji Ali Gajiram, lauded all stakeholders that worked closely with the house on the bill, particularly ministries of Women Affairs and Justice.
“We want to ensure that the bill is not in conflict with the culture, tradition and beliefs of the people of Borno.
“In fact, the objective of the bill is protection of children and not conflict with our religion, culture or tradition.
“The rate of abuse of children especially sexual abuse is alarming, we all need to go extra mile to ensure children are protected and perpetrators are punished.
“The law made provision for saving children that are at risk of abuse such as neglected orphans, children whose parents have been convicted of sexual abuse, whose parents suffer from mental sickness.
“Similarly, committee such as Child Right implementation committee and Fosterage Committee will be put in place to serve as watch dog in the implementation of the law when passed into law,” Gajiram said.
Nguyen of UNICEF
The Speaker of the state Children Parliament, Master Ibrahim Zanna-Sunoma, expressed joy over the renewed commitment by all stakeholders to ensure passage of the bill, pointing out that it passage would serve as foundation for a better society for children.
Over 40 organisations and associations participated at the public hearing where oral and written memorada were collected by the committee.
