Lagos Assembly goes tough on sex offenders, gender violence
By Alade Tasma
A bill for a law to provide for the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, establishment of sex offenders register and for other connected purposes, is set to be passed at the House of Assembly.
The bill is to give a legal backing to the agency that would aid speedy dispensation of justice on gender-based violence.
A public hearing on the bill was held at the Assembly premises on Wednesday where participants that includes the State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Cecilia Dada.
The wife of the Speaker, who was represented by Hon Tijani, the representative of the State Chief Judge, Justice Sherifat Sholabo, DCP Yetunde Kuye who stood in for the Commissioner of police while Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo who represented the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice were among the dignitaries at the parley.
Delivering his keynote address, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa represented by his deputy, Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun disclosed that gender based violence was counter productive and at variance with sanctity of life.
“It is unfortunate that domestic violence are on the rise.
The issue is anti ethetical to sanctity of life,’’ Obasa stated. The Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade who overview the bill disclosed that the purpose of the Bill was to regulate the activities of sexual violence and restore sanity in various homes.
Agunbiade explained that section 3 of the Bill specifically deals with establishment of an agency that would ensure the objectives of the law are realized.
He further explained section 17 of the bill which according to him, it deals with establishment of sex offenders Register in Lagos State.
‘’The Register shall bear the record of all sex convicts in Lagos State and shall be maintained by the domestic and sexual violence Agency,’’ Agunbiade disclosed.
Welcoming participants to the parley, the Chairman, House Committee on WAPA, Hon. Mojisoluwa Alli-Macaulay said the essence of the Bill was “to protect victims of sexual and gender based violence crimes from discrimination and stigmatization; ensure that victims of domestic and sexual violence crimes have access to medical, legal and counseling assistance.
“It is believed that this is indeed the best time to consolidate on our gains and create institutions to appropriately prevent and respond,’’ the lawmaker further added.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Lagos State chapter, Mrs Phil Nneji applauded the State for the initiative she however, suggested that ‘victim’ in the Bill should be replaced with survivor.
She further advised that the Register should be displayed publicly, saying that is one of the ways to meet up with international standard.
Speaking on section 5 (2b) of the bill, Titi Akoza from Center for 21st century Issues, opined that philanthropic gestures from public and private sectors should be separated.
She argued that the philanthropy of public and private sectors differ, saying conflict of interests should be avoided.
Alhaja Onitiri Kuye from Alimosho wanted sex offenders especially men not only to have their manhood castrated but should be cut off to avoid a repeat of such crime.
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She also advised government to expedite action on quick dispensation of justice. Mrs Onasanya Adeyosola called for protection of victims who are willing to voice out, saying threat to their lives should be adequately looked into.
In the proposed law, there shall be a response team with a legal backing and having the teeth to bite as stated by the Majority Leader of the Assembly Hon. Sanai Agunbiade during overview of the bill.
Members of the response team according to section 14 (2) of the bill are: Divisional Police Officer(s) in the family support units of the police nominated or as directed by the Commissioner of police in the State.
