Intrigues, as Reps withdraw motion on ‘teenage pregnancies’

A motion brought before the House of Representatives which sought measures aimed at curbing the menace of under-aged and teenage pregnancies in the country was curiously withdrawn at the last minute by its sponsor, Odebunmi Olusegun Dokun, at plenary yesterday.

No reason was offered for the withdrawal by Dokun, but it was gathered that the action was not unconnected with the perceived feeling among some legislators that the motion was offensive to the sensibilities of some members.

Specifically, a motion could be withdrawn on the floor of parliament by a sponsor or group of sponsors after certain consideration(s) and a leave of the House sought to do so accordingly.

Dokun had in the details and prayer of the withdrawn motion, noted that teenagers are individuals below the age of 20 years and are therefore expected to be under the guide and protection of their parents.

“The rate at which under-aged and teenage girls are getting pregnant and being abandoned as a result by both the men responsible for the pregnancies as well as the families of the girls, thus leaving them to struggle on their own for survival, which is in violation of various sections of the Child’s Rights Act 2003,” he added.

He also pointed out that if measures were not taken by the legislature to protect the under-aged and teenage girls from people he described as “unscrupulous men” and agents such as “baby factory” operators, more would be exploited and their future destroyed.

But for the withdrawal of the motion, the resolution of the House would have been to mandate its Standing Committees on Information and National Orientation; and that of Women Affairs (when constituted) to liaise with the relevant authorities with a view to putting in place measures aimed at curbing the menace as well as ensure compliance with the provisions of the Child’s Rights Act.