Senate Passes Bill Against Painful Widowhood Practices, Female Circumcision

A bill prohibiting female circumcision in Nigeria has been passed by the Senate. The Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Bill was passed by the red chambers on Tuesday at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

The new development makes it criminal to perform genital mutilation in the country.

Female circumcision is still being practised in some rural areas in Nigeria.

The bill also prohibits the forceful ejection from home, harmful widowhood practices, battery, harmful traditional practices, abandonment of spouse and children and other dependents without sustenance.

Also, the bill, sponsored by Victor Ndoma-Egba, frowns at economic abuse, forced isolation and separation from family and friends, substance attack, depriving persons of their liberty, incest, indecent exposure, among others.

Ekweremadu noted that, “The primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property and as a responsible arm of government, our primary responsibility is to enact laws that will not only protect our people, but also protect their property.

“Today, we have discharged one of our responsibilities to the vulnerable in terms of violence. Congratulations for this achievement.”