Children’s Day: Yobe children demand rape, child protection bills

Yobe Children’s Parliament has called for speedy passage of rape, child rights and protection bills to curtail sexual and gender-based violence that is on alarming rate in the state.

The 16 year-old leader of the children’s parliament, Fatima Mohammed Kolomi, who mimicked legislative proceeding, Saturday, at Yobe State House Assembly Chambers made the call.

Fatima said, if the bill is passed into law, serious penalty would be provided for offence or rape against children to the extent of life imprisonment as against penalty imposed previously by courts of little fine and five to ten years imprisonment. “In some cases two to three years,” she said

She noted that the bill seeks among other things the protection of children among others, protection against use of children in criminal activities, child labour, hawking, begging for alms, prostitution and all other forms of sexual exploitation.

Daily Trust report that in a mock session, the leader, a student of Government Girls Secondary School, Damaturu, alongside other students passed 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 remained 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, Gabriel Idoko, who organised the mimic session for the students encouraged them to be focused, diligent and hard working, saying it was the surest way of achieving their dreams.