Members of the Kano State Caucus in the House of Representatives have canvassed the support of members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in the lawmaking process in the country.

Led by Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the caucus, at a parley with FIDA at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday, stressed the importance of professional advice and input from lawyers to assist them in their constitutional duty of making laws for the country.

Doguwa noted that despite their experience as members of the National Assembly whose primary responsibility is making laws, there is a gap that only a close working relationship with lawyers can fill to make their work easier.

“I charge you people to also promptly interface and continue to collaborate with this caucus by giving us some of your insights on how you view some of the legislation. The PIB, for instance, which has now been passed into law in 2021, is now the subject of a lot of contemplation and controversy. Look at the PIA,” he noted.

“Where do you think we have gaps? Where do you think we need to come and make contributions? Virtually all that you have in the body of the laws of the Federation, they are viewable. They are not cast in stone. So, it is only through this kind of contribution from you that we can also make meaningful contributions.”

Earlier, the Chairperson of FIDA’s Kano State Chapter, Bar. Bilkisu Suleman, informed the lawmakers that FIDA is an international body of professional lawyers and legal professionals offering free legal services to the less privileged, alongside other support services and advocacy.

She explained that the promotion of the rights of women and children, as well as mediation in conflicts among the citizenry, are part of their responsibilities to Nigerians.

She added that FIDA’s resolve to pay advocacy visits to the caucus aimed to ensure that legal issues and access to justice are promoted in society.

She noted: “We are following up on cases involving the interpretation or application of laws that promote and preserve the rights of women and children. We are rendering legal services, whether in courts, mediation, or sensitisation within our constituents.

“For example, we have branches and members all over. Whenever issues arise, we go to them. Even last week, we had a case after we did a lot of work promoting the name of the village. I sent a lawyer there. So, we have a presence everywhere.

“Whenever a case arises, we send our members to handle it. Just as I was sitting here, there was a case where somebody called me, and we needed to send someone to a village. So, it’s not only metropolitan areas where we handle cases.

“We render mediation services because, normally, the issues we handle are very sensitive. Issues involving women, children, fathers, wives, and husbands are not always suited for court because, regardless of who wins, there will be discomfort between the parties.

“So, even if the case is before the court, we seek the court’s indulgence to allow us to bring the case back to our office and mediate so that there will be peace in the family—peace and tranquility. This is what we are doing.”