A delegate to the on-going National Conference, Yemi Fasominu, has called for a new law that would stipulate castration for men convicted of rape in Nigeria.
Ms. Fasominu, a representative of Ondo State, gave the suggestion while speaking on the floor of the Conference on Monday.
She lamented that Nigerian women and the girl child have been at the receiving end of persistent violence from rapists and violent men in the country.
Ms. Fasominu, who spoke passionately on the matter, noted that hundreds of women are being raped all over the country on a daily basis.
Unless urgent steps are taken to halt the dangerous trend, she said, the situation would worsen.
“Mr. Chairman, women are being rapped every day in almost every part of the country and nothing is done about it. Nigerian women have continued to suffer under the hands of violent men.
“Mr. Chairman, our women need protection. The girl child must be protected from rapists. We must create a special court to deal with issues of rape and other forms of violence against women.
“I call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to make a law that will castrate men who are convicted of rape.”
As soon as she called for the castration of rapists, the chamber went into a frenzy of sorts as delegates laughed, murmured and made side comments on the matter.
Undeterred, Ms. Fasominu went on to say since rape and domestic violence attracts stigma that make them less likely to be reported, a special court should be set up to try offenders.
She argued that Nigeria was so blessed with resources that the people have no business with the kind of poverty that plagued the country.
The Ondo delegate, therefore, called for equity, justice and fair play for all Nigerians irrespective of their backgrounds and religious leanings.
But not all female delegates agree with Ms Fasominu. Mosilat Makaty, took a different position arguing that instead of castration women should pray for them [rapists] “that that instrument should not be misused again”.
Another female delegate, Bilkisu Magoro, lamented the increasing level of insecurity in the country and said Nigeria should renew bilateral relations with its neighbours to ensure that the country’s borders are protected.
“A lot of blames have been placed on our past leaders, but it is left for us to make corrections now. I pray that by the time we make our submissions, Nigerians will be singing our praises. I believe in the future of Nigeria as a country,” she said.
Another delegate, Aishatu Madawaki, who spoke about the educational system, said the situation of schools in the country was alarming and disheartening and called for urgent steps to make the educational system work.
She said, “It is alarming when you visit our schools. It is disheartening to note (the results) if we compare Nigeria with Cuba which is one of the poorest countries in the world but has one of the
strongest political will.
“The primary assignment of any government is the protection of life and property. Conflicts arise due to the way resources are shared.”
Ms. Madawaki lamented the marginalization of the North, saying that some of the interventions carried out in the Southern part of the country did not affect the North and demanded that the situation be reversed.
She said, “When we look at the Northern part of Nigeria, we have NDDC, a dedicated Ministry and amnesty for the people of the area. When we look at the North, there is nothing to show for it
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