From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The chairman of the Joint House Committee on Justice, Judiciary and Women Affairs, Cosmos Atabor said those found culpable of the Bill for a law Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020 would be sent to jail.
The Joint Committee Chairman made gave the hint at the Public hearing on the Kogi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020 ,
The Kogi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020 is a bill geared towards providing a law to provide for the elimination of violence in private and Public lives , the Prohibition of all forms of violence against persons, protection of violence and punishment of offenders in Kogi State and other matters connected therewith, 2020.
Hon. Atabor described the VAPP bill currently before the House as vital and one that will affect the generations yet unborn.
He added that the bill when passed into law would affect al ot of persons positively or negatively, reasons why the bill is considered vital, urged for sincere contributions that would eliminate all forms of violence in private and Public life.
The Joint Committee Chairman cautioned against violence against persons, insisting that it is inhuman, living the affected with colossal damages that are unimaginable and unquantified.
He disclosed that if passed into law in the state, it would help eliminate violence against persons, with the society becoming a better place.
The Chairman assured that the State Assembly would follow due diligence, with the interest of the state, society’ and humanity taking into perspectives in passing the bill into law.
In a remarks, Eunice Agbogun, Executive Director, Challenged Parenthood Initiative, said the VAPP bill if passed in Kogi would provide a legislative and legal framework for the prevention of all forms of violence against vulnerable persons, especially women and girls in the state.
She added that the law also prohibits economic abuse, forced isolation and separation from family and friends, substance attack, depriving persons of their liberty, incest, indecent exposure, among others.
Furthermore, the bill also intends to eliminate violence in private and public lives and provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims of violence, and punishment of offenders.
The Public hearing was attended by the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Faith Based Organisations, Traditional Rulers, The Nigerian Police, CSOs, amongst others.
