By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman, has declared that the major challenge facing the fight against sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) remains underreporting, often driven by fear of stigmatisation, intimidation, family pressure and concerns about confidentiality.
The Speaker made the declaration in his response to a complaint by one, Hulda Localarewagirl Nuhu, a Public Commentator and Human Rights Activist, asking of what happens to a rapist.
Abubakar Suleiman stated that, “We must therefore create an environment in which survivors feel safe, supported and confident to seek justice; hence the call by the assembly for the Executive arm to establish additional SARCs in the state.”
He added that, “It is equally important to understand that Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) do more than provide medical treatment. They offer counselling and psychosocial support, facilitate referrals to relevant agencies, and help document injuries and collect and preserve evidence that can support investigations and prosecutions. Expanding access to these centres therefore strengthens both survivor care and the pursuit of justice.”
According to him,”Our resolution calling for additional SARCs addresses a critical gap in access to these services. Survivors, particularly those living far from the existing centre, should be able to obtain timely assistance without travelling long distances or facing prohibitive costs.”
The Speaker added, “The writer’s call for accountability is therefore welcome and consistent with our objective. We must protect survivors, strengthen enforcement of the law and ensure that those found guilty face the prescribed punishment. Supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable are complementary responsibilities, and we remain committed to both.”
He wrote,”Early this Monday morning, one of my assistants drew my attention to the open letter addressed to me as quoted above, by a respected sister, Huda
“Having carefully read her observations and concerns, I consider the issues raised both pertinent and timely. I therefore feel duty-bound as the sponsor of the motion, to respond with humility and respect, in the spirit of constructive dialogue and our shared commitment to protecting the rights and diginity of our people, especially women and children,” he added.
The Speaker added,”Let me first begin by sincerely commenting and thanking the writer; not only because of her respond to my write up, but for other national issues. Her concern for the safety and dignity of women and girls and for calling for firm punishment for perpetrators of rape; a cause that I also pursuits with utmost commitment, is also commendable.”
According to him,”I agree that our response to sexual and gender-based violence must include both support for survivors and justice through the prosecution and punishment of offenders.”
The Speaker added, “On the question of punishment, Bauchi State already has a Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, passed by the State House of Assembly and assented to by the Governor. As the sponsor of the legislation, I can affirm that it provides substantial penalties for rape and other acts of violence. I encourage the writer to examine its provisions for a fuller understanding of the legal framework already in place.”
“However, having a law is only part of the task. Effective implementation requires timely reporting, thorough investigation, diligent prosecution and the enforcement of court judgments. The existence of penalties does not, by itself, guarantee that every offender is brought to justice,” he added.
According to him,”The implementation committee under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, the First Lady of Bauchi State, has also been working to support survivors, raise public awareness and ensure culprits are brought to justice.”
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