text: The Speakers of the 19 States of northern Nigeria have resolved to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in their respective States.
  A report from the spokesman of the Bauchi state assembly speaker, Comrade Abdul Burra on Sunday said that decision followed a briefing on the recent domestication of the VAPP Law in Bauchi state by his Principal, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman at the Northern Speakers Conference which took place in Kaduna.
  A communiqué signed by the speaker of Gombe state house of assembly, Rt Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim, the Chairman Communiqué Committee of the Conference, the speakers resolved to domesticate the VAPP Act in all northern states with cognizance to administration of criminal justice.
  According to the Communique, the speakers also expressed concern on the insecurity bedevilling the northern part of the country.
  “While commending the efforts of Mr President, state governors and security agencies, we appeal to the federal government to redouble its efforts in curbing the insecurity in northern Nigeria as security of lives and property is our primary objective”, the communiqué read.
  On the COVID-19 pandemic, the Speakers agreed that it is real and appreciate Federal and States Governments for preventing and containing the widespread of the deadly virus.
  While appealing to the federal government to provide more testing kits to all states and local governments of the country, the Forum call on all state assemblies to continue to observe NCDC’s protocols to fight the disease.
  The Speakers commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Executive Order 10 for financial autonomy to state legislatures and judiciary which they described as timely.
  They equally commended the federal government’s N-power scheme and other related programmes to empower youths and alleviate poverty.
  Burra said that the Communiqué further explained that the speakers unanimously resolved to work in conformity with the legislative agenda provided by each assembly for the year 2019-2023.