The House of Representatives has decried the rising spate of rape and molestation of women and girls in the country, saying it will review existing laws to ensure stiffer sanctions for perpetrators.
Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, said it would no longer be business as usual for offenders.
Halims, who represents Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro constituency in Kogi State, stated this at the weekend in Abuja during the one-year anniversary of The Victoria Show and the launch of the book From Silence to Strength, authored by Jennifer Hembafan Alih.
He pledged full parliamentary backing, saying: “By act of laws, we will address it. There are ways we can enact laws. There are existing laws we can review, we can enact further, we can make amendments. That is what law is all about.
“Enforcement is entirely not my own business. My own is to ensure that, yes, the laws are enacted.”
On the spate of insecurity, he claimed that the government “is very strict and very determined to curb violence, banditry, insecurity, and you can see APC government is doing very wonderful about it.”
While commending Alih for the milestone and the launch of her book, the lawmaker said the author “is determined to achieve something.
“The books is a powerful collection of true stories from women who have survived abuse. This book is more than a publication. It is a voice for those who have long been unheard.
“I commend the author, Chief Jennifer, for her courage to bring the stories to light and dignity and compassion. Each page reminds us of the strength women carry even in face of deep pain. To the survivors of this who shared their stories, we honour their bravery.
“This book challenges us to break the culture of silence around abuse and create a safer and more supportive community. I encourage everyone here today to read it, reflect on it, and let it inspire meaningful actions.”
The author and host of The Victoria Show, Alih, said the book was written to address social vices, especially the abuse of children and the molestation of women and girls.
“Just like I said in my book every movement starts with a moment and for me it was that moment where I couldn’t take silence as an answer anymore.
“I have seen women suffer. I have seen children, men have unbearable burdens that they just bear in silence and for me it’s time for me to encourage people to break their silence, talk about what they are going through and how the community has a responsibility to listen when people cry out without judging but to help.
“Let us just be the community that we deserve. Let us have the mindset that one day we will leave this earth and when we leave what is the legacy?
“What are we going to be remembered for? So, everything that has to do with violence we must kick it out of our lives and we must make sure that we are living in peace with everybody be it our neighbours, our parents our families and friends and the communities at large.
“Let us kick violence out of our society. Violence is not inevitable. Violence can be defeated and together we can do that.”
