Group expresses concern over Child Rights Bill in Gombe
Save the Children’s Better Life for Girls Media Group, Gombe State, has expressed
concern over the state of Child Rights Bill in the state.
The Chairperson of the group, Mrs. Suuda Mustapha, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday that the delay in the passage of the bill had made more children suffer harm and violations.
She said that the dearth of information on the state of the bill was “particularly frustrating, considering the fact that neighbouring states had made progress in that regard.”
According to her, the high rates of rape and child labour are connected to the absence of adequate legal documents to deal with perpetrators of these crimes against children.
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She added that all efforts so far made by the state government and other critical stakeholders in advocating for the
domestication of the Act in the state would amount to nothing if the needful was not done.
Mustapha said, “I am particularly worried, knowing that we are going into an election year where everything is halted for political activities and I fear that the bill could be overtaken by political events.”
The chairperson said that the only information available was that the bill had passed the first and second reading in the state House of Assembly. She said “it is disturbing that a bill of such importance can be delayed like this.
“Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, lawmakers in the state and Save the Children International and other stakeholders had made a lot of efforts to ensure that the bill becomes an act.
“I think it is time to conclude by passing the bill. Our children need a better future where their rights are rights and not perceived as privileges.
“We can only do that by domesticating the Child Rights Act in Gombe State to protect their wellbeing.”
She, therefore, urged the state government and lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the bill.
She appealed to parents, religious and community leaders, civil society organisations, groups, and the media to renew calls in that regard.
