An Open Letter to the Governor of Kano State
Your Excellency, Dr. Abba Kabir Yusuf,
Governor of Kano State, Nigeria
Dear Sir,
Subject: The Need for the Immediate Passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kano State
I write this letter with a deep sense of urgency and as a concerned advocate for the welfare and rights of the people of Kano State, particularly its women and girls.
Your Excellency, it is disheartening to note that despite the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act at the national level in 2015, Kano State remains the only state in Nigeria yet to domesticate this vital law or pass related legislation to address violence against women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
This delay is creating a dire vacuum that fosters impunity, delays justice, and leaves countless victims without adequate protection.
A Brief History of the VAPP Law
The VAPP Act was passed at the federal level in 2015 to address the growing prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria. It provides a comprehensive framework for combating various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, rape, sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices, and economic abuse, while ensuring justice and rehabilitation for victims.
Over the years, almost all Nigerian states have domesticated the law, resulting in notable progress in addressing GBV, securing justice for victims, and deterring perpetrators.
Kano, as a state with a rich history of justice and moral leadership, cannot afford to be left behind.
The Reality in Kano State Without the VAPP Law
Without the VAPP law or similar legislation in Kano State:
1. Victims of Violence Are Left Unprotected: Women and girls, who are disproportionately affected, face increasing vulnerability to rape, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse with little or no legal recourse.
2. Delayed Justice: Many cases of GBV linger in courts due to inadequate legal provisions that specifically address these crimes.
3. Cultural and Social Barriers Persist: In the absence of strong legal backing, cultural norms often discourage victims from speaking out or seeking justice, emboldening perpetrators.
4. Kano’s Reputation Is at Stake: As the only state without the VAPP law, Kano risks being perceived as unsupportive of efforts to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Lessons from Katsina State
Katsina State serves as a prime example of how the VAPP law can change the narrative. Since the law’s domestication, the state has recorded:
• Increased Reporting of GBV Cases: Women and girls are coming forward, knowing the law is on their side.
• Improved Justice Delivery: Courts now have clear guidelines for prosecuting perpetrators and compensating victims.
• Enhanced Public Awareness: Government and civil society organizations collaborate to educate communities on the dangers of GBV and the protection the law offers.
If Katsina State, which shares similar cultural and social challenges with Kano, can achieve these successes, so can we.
The Advantages of Passing the VAPP Law in Kano State
1. Legal Framework for Justice: The VAPP law will ensure robust legal protection for victims and punish perpetrators effectively.
2. Prevention Through Deterrence: A clear and enforceable law will deter potential offenders.
3. Support for Victims: The law mandates access to medical, psychological, and social support for survivors of violence.
4. Economic Benefits: By curbing violence, the state will reduce the financial burdens on families and healthcare systems associated with GBV-related injuries and trauma.
5. Improved Global Standing: Passing the law will enhance Kano’s image as a progressive state committed to justice and human rights.
A Call to Action
Your Excellency, the delay in passing the VAPP law is not merely an administrative issue but a moral one. Each day without this law is another day that women, girls, and other vulnerable groups remain at risk of abuse and exploitation.
Your excellency, I plead to you to:
1. Prioritize the VAPP Bill in Legislative Processes: Ensure it is passed and implemented without further delay.
2. Engage Stakeholders: Work with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to address misconceptions and build public support.
3. Invest in Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public on the importance of the law and the protection it offers.
Your Excellency, Kano has long been a beacon of leadership and innovation in Nigeria. By signing the VAPP law, you will demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity, and the well-being of all Kano citizens. The women and girls of Kano are looking to your leadership to make this change.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
Yours faithfully,
Musa Abdullahi Sufi
Founder and Senior Vision Director, SIDES
Kano State, Nigeria
Sufi Innovation and Development Solutions – SIDES
