Nation
Senate Moves To Ensure Speedy Trials Of Cases Of Violence Against Women
Rising cases of violence against women and girls caught the attention of the Senate, yesterday as the upper chamber mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to ensure an end to the issue of delay in the prosecution of perpetrators .
The position of the Senate came on the heels of the approval of the single prayer to a motion on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women sponsored by the Chairman , Senate Committee on Women Affairs; Senator Betty Apiafi (Rivers State)
Senator Apiafi who came under Order 52 of the Senate ( Matter of urgent National Importance) told the Senate that Violence Against Women and Girls ( VAWG) has become one of the most widespread persistent and devastating human rights violation world over.
The lawmaker , identified this gender abuse as intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide), sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances,
Others include child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cybersex-harassment)
Human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation), Female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage were also pointed out as forms of VAWG.
She regretted that even as such criminal act escalates, It remains largely under reported due to impunity, silence stigma and shame surrounding it while those who brave it to seek justice battle their cases with snail speed judicial system that keeps traumatising them the more .
Her words “ Gender based violence (GBV) or Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a global epidemic that affects one per cent in three women worldwide;
“ Women and girls are more likely to face food insecurity;. Only on in ten victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) will go to the law enforcements agencies for help.
“These figures are mirrored in Nigeria with 30% of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years reported to have experienced sexual abuse.
“Insurgency and protracted conflicts have exacerbated Gender Based Violence in the North East of Nigeria and several areas in other geo-political zones in the country. Harmful practices such as child marriage which is still prevalent in Nigeria with 43 per cent of girls married before the age of 18 years, while 20 per cent of women aged 15-49 years have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
As at 24th November, 2021, a total of 5,204 Gender Based Violence cases were reported, of which 3,125 survivors are demanding justice and only 33 perpetrators have so far been convicted with over 972 cases pending in court.
By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.