Expedite action on rape, child protection bills

Yobe Children’s Parliament has called for the speedy passage of rape, child right and protection bills to curtail sexual and gender based violence in the state.

Leader of the parliament, 16-year-old Fatima Mohammed Kolomi said this during a special legislative proceeding on Saturday at Yobe State House Assembly Chambers.

Fatima noted that the bill seeks to, among other things, protect children from being used in criminal activities, child labour, hawking, begging for alms, prostitution and all other forms of sexual exploitation.

The leader, a student of Government Girls Secondary School Damaturu, who mimic the House Speaker, alongside other students that participated as principal and members, passed the bill into law after it went through the first, second and third readings dramatically.

She lamented that the children Parliament was left stranded at August 27 stadium where they held the annual parade to commemorate the Children’s Day.

“In fact no government official was present, only the police commissioner came and inspected the parade. That is why we remain thankful to the UNHCR for organizing the drama session and the assembly members for making it possible,” she said.

The Field Team Leader of United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Yobe State, Mr. Gabriel Idoko, who organised the session for the students encouraged them to be focused, diligent and hardworking, saying it’s the surest way of achieving their dreams.