A caller, Azu Frank, on Wednesday, told Sheriff Quadry that Nigerians should be careful not to paint our culture as bad but let it evolve.
Frank said this while reacting to news that the House of Representatives is debating a bill seeking to abolish certain cultural traditions and mourning rites that infringe against the fundamental human rights of widows.
The bill seeking to amend the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, No. 19, 2015, will as reported by THE PUNCH, contain a new section 15 which will read in part;
“(1) A person who subjects a widow to harmful widowhood practices commits an offence and is liable on conviction (a) to imprisonment for a term of seven years without any option of fine, and (b) any other compensation to the widow as the court may deem necessary in the circumstance.
“(2) A person who attempts to inflict any harmful widowhood practice provided under subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of three years or a fine of N1,000,000 or both.
“(3) A person who incite, aids, abets or counsels another to commit an offence under subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of three years or a fine of N1,000,000 or both.”
Two other callers had a different opinion from Frank. They explained why they welcome this move by the House of Reps.
Watch part of the conversation below>>>
