* Says law reflects character, position of Sokoto people
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has disclosed that the newly signed Sokoto State Child Protection Law is a true reflection of the character, position and religious beliefs of the people in the state.
Tambuwal, who spoke shortly after signing the the Child Rights Act into law, stated that after wide consultations and inputs from Ulamas and other stakeholders, he is optimistic that other states will emulate Sokoto and pass the law in no distance time.
The governor, while debunking fears that the new law was geared towards promoting Western ideology and culture, said the law was put in place to promote humanity and ensure egalitarian society.
Talking of how the efforts of the United Nations Country Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Karlon, has helped in projecting all UN activities in Nigeria, Tambuwal appluaded Karlon for visiting every 36 States in Nigeria despite security challenges.
The Sokoto Governor said, ‘I want to use this avenue to commend Mr Edward Karlon as the only United Nations representative that has visited all the 36 States of the federation not minding the security challenges.
“All the 36 governors of Nigeria are very happy with Karlon that he has engaged with sub national governments better than all his predecessors”.
Earlier in her submission, the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Nuhu, stated that about 572 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were recorded in Sokoto State between 2020 and 2021.
Kulu however decried that 56 of these incidences were reported, 22 in court while 7 convictions were secured.
She added 551 of the survivors received psycho social support within the period under review.
In her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi Sifawa, announced that the minsitry has recognized Tambuwal’s commitments to the development of humanity and therefore awarded him with the title of “Advocate of Children In Nigeria”.
Sifawa further assured that the Sokoto State ministry of women and children affairs is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that women and children are protected from all forms of violence.
On his part, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Hon Manir Dan’Iya, noted that Tambuwal is one individual that is concerned about addressing the root cause of GBV, hence committed to diverse plans towards improving the lives of women and children in Sokoto and beyond.
In his own comment, the UN Country Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Karlon, said he was impressed with the landmark achievements and governing style of Governor Tambuwal in the state.
He said, “I am full of joy that Sokoto is signing the Child Rights Act into law. The adoption of the law has never been easy looking at what I have seen so far in some states.
“Traditional and religious institutions see the law as promoting the Western cultures. That is why I am congratulating Sokoto State government for taking the bold step towards ending GBV.
“I know its not easy to get this law to see the light of the day. I know that the Sultan of Sokoto constituted about 15 council members alongside other religious leaders to review the law.
“But today, Sokoto has signed the two critical laws that could guarantee rights of children in State”.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubabar 111, also expressed happiness over the signing of the Sokoto State Child Protection Law.
Sultan, who was represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof Sambo Wali Junaid, said the Sultanate has scuccefully scrutinize the law to ensure that whatever content in the law does not contradicts the culture and religion of the people of Sokoto State.
He said, “Being an advocate of zero tolerance for cases of GBV, it is my pride to hear that other states will subsequently adopts our Child Protection Law considering the fact that it has been thoroughly previewed to be in line with our religious believe”.
