Hearing: Speaker tasks stakeholders on review of Kebbi Child’s Rights Law

The Speaker, Kebbi House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, has urged stakeholders to engage constructively in the ongoing Public Hearing of the Bill to repeal the state’s Child’s Rights Law, 2021.

Usman-Zuru made the call on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi while declaring open the Public Hearing on the proposed bill, organised by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.

He said that the exercise formed part of the Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to ensure that laws passed by the legislature reflected the values, aspirations, and circumstances of the people of the state.

“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you to this important public hearing on a Bill for a Law to repeal the Kebbi State Child’s Rights Law No. 012 of 2021 and for Other Related Matters.

“This gathering is part of our legislative process to ensure that the voice of our people is heard and that our laws truly reflect the will and values of the good people of Kebbi State,” he said.

Usman-Zuru recalled that the assembly enacted the child’s rights law in 2021 with the primary objective of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children across the state.

He also noted that since its passage, several concerns and observations had been raised by stakeholders, including traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organisations.

The stakeholders, Usman-Zuru said, had called for a review to align the law with cultural and religious realities.

“The house, being a people-oriented institution, has deemed it necessary to revisit the law.

“The aim is address these concerns, provide clarity, and ensure that any legal framework governing the protection and upbringing of our children aligns with our social, cultural, and religious values.

“This is while still safeguarding the fundamental rights and dignity of every child,” the speaker said.

He urged the participants to be frank, respectful, and objective in their contributions.

He further stressed the need for a collective responsibility and commitment toward building a future that prioritised the well-being of children.

Usman-Zuru assured that the assembly remained committed to transparency, consultation, and inclusiveness in the discharge of its legislative duties.

“Decisions reached at the end of this process would be guided by justice, fairness, and the overall interest of the people we represent,” he said.

He commended the stakeholders for their continued collaboration with the legislature.