Borno Assembly holds public hearing on Child Rights Act
By Tada JUTHA, Maiduguri
The Borno House of Assembly has convened a public hearing on the domestication of Child Rights Act for the state.
Over 40 organisations and associations are expected to participate with the submission of oral and written submission to the house committee.
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Flagging-off the hearing Thursday in Maiduguri, the Deputy Speaker of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira disclosed that provisions are made in the bill that could make relevant to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve the protection and wellbeing of children.
He lamented that every day there are increasing reports of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation against children below the age of 18.
The passage of this bill will address the situation in the State, particularly when we embark on the enforcement of the Child Rights Act bill.
Askira said: “As part of our people oriented policy, we felt getting the opinions of the people on this important bill will be a decision in the right direction.
“We invited you to hear your thoughts and feelings on the content of the bill,” hoping that stakeholders’ contributions will enhance the quality of the bill passed into law.
He therefore urged for fruitful deliberations on the expected bill, as Governor Babagana Zulum has shown commitment to signing the bill into law as soon as the Assembly passed it.
The Ad-hoc House Committee Chairman on Child Rights Bill, Ali Gajiram, commended the stakeholders and Ministries of Women Affairs and Justice.
He noted that the bill is not in conflict with the culture, tradition and beliefs of the people of the state.
“The Child Rights Act, is to protect children and does not conflict with our religion, culture and tradition,” he said, lamenting that the rates of abuse of children, particularly sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) is alarming in the state.
He added that the stakeholders need to go the extra mile by ensuring children are protected, while the perpetrators are punished.
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Speaker of Borno Children Parliament, Master Ibrahim Zanna-Sunoma, expressed joy over the renewed commitment of stakeholders to ensure passage of the bill.
“The passage of the Child Rights Act would provide a foundation for a better society for us,” he said.
