CSO commends Kebbi Assembly for passing VAPP bill

Following the passage of the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) and Child Right Act Bills by the Kebbi State House of Assembly, yesterday, Kungiyar Tallafin Mata Development Initiative (KTMDI), a non-governmental organisation, has said the bill, if signed into law by the governor, would help the state to be violence free.

In a statement signed by the Women Right Programme Officer, Miss Zarau Ahmad, the group noted that Kebbi has become one of the 28 states in the country to pass the VAPP bill, saying the development signifies the state’s progressive disposition and commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of its people.

Ahmad noted that for the women’s rights community in the state, the law was much more than a piece of legislation.

“It is a bold statement to the recognition of the fundamental human rights of women and girls, thus cancelling the notion of subjugation, control of agency and autonomy of women and girls through use of violence and other disempowering beliefs that are contrary to human development. The passage of VAPP law and CRA law by Kebbi lawmakers has therefore set Kebbi on the path of becoming a violence free state if fully enforced,” she added.

She explained that much efforts and resources went into the passage of the bill, adding: “KTMDI was very instrumental to the passage of this bill through facilitating advocacy actions. Working in collaboration with actors such as Ministry of Women Affairs, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and other NGOs in the state.

“We are indeed glad that this law has been passed in Kebbi State. We are grateful to everyone who has made this work and especially ActionAid Nigeria for the funding support through the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria project.”