Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has welcomed the move by the National Assembly to discuss and pass the victim rights bill, describing the resolve by the lawmakers as a milestone eagerly anticipated by the foundation.
The Murtala Muhammed foundation’s advocacy represents a broader call for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
The foundation endorsed the move in a statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, copy of which was made available to newsmen, just as it noted that the family of the late Head of State, General Muritala Muhammed had heralded significant progress in the fight for victims’ rights in the country, 31 years after the tragic shooting of Zackari Murtala Muhammed.
Recalled that Zakari was tragically shot on August 13, 1993, and died the following day, August 14, 1993 and despite the identification of suspected perpetrators, the case has been stalled by failures in prosecution.
Muhammed-Oyebode assured that the Foundation would not relent until the bill aimed to combat criminal impunity and provide much-needed closure to families of crime victims was passed into law, saying that “all victims of crimes are entitled to answers.
“We will not relent until this bill is passed. All victims of crimes are entitled to answers,” she said.
Muhammed-Oyebode referenced the numerous unresolved high-profile murders, including those of Dele Giwa, Chief Rewane, and Chief Bola Ige, highlighting the systemic failures in delivering justice, declaring that there was urgent need for legislative action and robust victim protection laws rather than a situation where Nigerians would quietly continue to bury their dead.
“We refuse to quietly continue to bury our dead. There is urgent need for legislative action and robust victim protection laws,” she said.
According to her, the passage of the Victims’ Rights Bill into law will be a significant step towards addressing these critical issues and honoring the memory of those lost to violent crimes.
Muhammed-Oyebode lauded the lawmakers, particularly the 26 members, led by Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr. for the advancement recorded on the Victims’ Rights law.
Meanwhile, Hon. Rotimi Jr. has stated in a release that the pivotal legislation has successfully passed legislative scrutiny, saying that it “is set to be presented for consideration when the House resumes from recess in September.”
The lawmaker representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the Victims’ Rights Bill 2024 aims to establish comprehensive protections for victims of violent crimes, ensuring their safety and involvement throughout the justice process.
According to him, it seeks to address significant deficiencies in current laws by defining victims’ rights clearly, mandating court responsibilities to uphold these rights, and ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
The lawmaker further emphasized the bill’s significance, stating that “current deficiencies in extant laws create an imbalance where the rights of suspected perpetrators can overshadow those of the victims.
“This imbalance deepens the suffering of victims and fosters a culture of impunity.
“For justice to be truly effective, it must be fair and provide victims with the protection and redress their need. Without such fairness, the cycle of violence continues, leaving society vulnerable and undermining justice’s core principles,” he said.
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