The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Helen Obareki, has read a riot act against perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and other heinous crimes in the state, warning that it will no longer be business as usual for them.
Penpushing reports that declared that she gave the warning, while addressing a press conference in her office at Government House, Uyo, stressing that she will intensify her efforts in ensuring that they are brought to book.
The chairperson, Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Management Committee, however, condemned all acts of sexual assault, domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence, stressing that these acts are not only a violation of human rights but also a stain on collective conscience as a society
“We have called this press conference to address the recent and deeply troubling incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and Gender-Based Violence in our state. These acts are not only a violation of human rights but also a stain on our collective conscience as a society,” she said.
Penpushing further reports that Obareki highlighted strides recorded by the committee in recent times, including the rescue of three human trafficking survivors, the arrest of six people for raping a 14-year-old boy, the initiation of legal proceedings against perpetrators, and the establishment of a reporting mechanism, among other efforts.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, called on the public to report cases of sexual abuse and domestic and gender-based violence, as well as urged victims to speak out immediately.
“While we acknowledge the progress made, we recognise that there is still much work to be done. We remain committed to ensuring justice for survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and creating a safer environment for all. Let us break the culture of silence together. Let us stand united against GBV’, she said
Penpushing also reports that the Secretary of the State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Management Committee, Emem Etteh, in her remarks clarified that the age of criminal liability in Nigeria is set at seven years, and any child accused of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) crimes who falls within this age range will be placed in a rehabilitation facility.
The scribe pointed out that the committee has handled over 1,410 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, primarily involving intimate partner abuse, explaining that they engaged with traditional rural councils, stakeholders, and communities, including markets and schools, to conduct sensitisation campaigns targeted at breaking the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV), reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to speak out.
Penpushing reports that Etteh disclosed that bylaws have been adopted to address the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in rural areas, where customary punishment is often favoured.
Meanwhile, among those present at the press conference include Helen Umana, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers; Nsikak Okon, the President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists; and Uduak Usanga, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, as well as other members of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Management Committee.
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