Share insights on laws requiring amendment, Kano reps tell women lawyers

The Kano caucus in the house of representatives has asked the Kano chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to share insights on laws that require amendment.

The lawmakers made the request on Tuesday during a meeting with the lawyers in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Alhassan Doguwa, a ranking lawmaker, said among the lawyers are “fine and brilliant brains” who can make significant contributions.

“At all levels of legislation, we have a very critical point or window that we call a public hearing,” Doguwa, who was flanked by his colleagues, said.

“There are several other windows through which you can reach out to your representatives as professionals, especially legal professionals, and you will have a lot to contribute to our performance.

“When we have brains like you who are experts and professionals in the legal sector of society that interface and also collaborate with the members of the parliament so that at the end, our critical duty and responsibility of lawmaking could be made to perfection.”

Doguwa said the experience of ranking members of the house does not make them perfect in lawmaking.

“Today, you have come at a very coincidental period, a very incidental period, when the constitutional review process in the national assembly is ongoing. So, we will expect you to start to use the opportunity from there,” he said.

“I do this with all sense of humility and respect for the profession but I charge you people to also promptly interface and continue to collaborate with this caucus by way of giving us some of your insight — how you look at some of the legislations.

“For instance, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which was passed into law in 2021, is now the subject of a lot of contemplation and controversy.

“Look at the PIA. Where do you think we have gaps? Where do you think we will have to come and make contributions?

“Virtually all that you have in the body of the laws of the federation, they are viewable. They are not cast in stone. So, it is only based on some of this kind of contribution that you give to us that we can be able to also contribute.”

In her remarks, Bilkisu Suleman, chairperson of FIDA in Kano, said the association offers free legal services, especially in mediating disputes involving families.

“So, even if the case is before the court, we seek the indulgence of the court to permit us to bring the case back to our office and mediate so that there will be peace in the family,” she said.

“There will be peace and tranquillity. So this is what we are doing.”