A Bill prohibiting the stigmatization of persons who are victims of insurgency or militancy from reintegrating with the community and providing for the persecution and punishment of any person or group of persons who stigmatizes such victims (HB 692) has been rejected by the House of Representatives. The Bill seeks to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of such persons including their right to dignity and free association as provided by the Constitution.

Leading the debate at the plenary session of Thursday, May 18th, 2017, Hon. Ahmed Yerima (APC:Bauchi) stated that the Bill was intended at protecting victims of insurgency and prosecuting or punishing any person or group of persons who victimize them. Hon. Ayo Omidaran (APC:Osun) also spoke in favor of the Bill stating that the Bill should be considered and referred to the Committee, as it complemented the provisions prohibiting discrimination in the Constitution. She also called for an aggressive advocacy on the merits of the bill in a bid to curb stigmatization.

However, majority leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC: Lagos) was not as convinced as he opposed the Bill on grounds that stigmatization was better suited as a civil offence and that persons who felt discriminated against could take it to the court of law for address or compensation. He also elaborated that section 42 (1) of the Constitution adequately addressed the matter and thus, a prison term was unsuitable.

After much debate the House eventually rejected the Bill on grounds that its overall intent was already covered in the Constitution.