Wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs Patience Umo Eno has vowed that tough penalty will be dispensed against offenders as deterrent to widespread cases of Gender – Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
Mrs Eno also warned those in the habit of perpetrating such evil against women to desist or be ready to face the full weight of the law when caught.
Towards this end, the Akwa Ibom State First Lady has solicited for collaboration of government at all levels as well as non – state actors in the ongoing fight against the scourge of GBV with a view to curb the crimes.
The first lady, who is the Chairperson of the State GBV Management Committee, handed down the warning during the opening ceremony of the State GBV Awareness Month, tagged: “Implementing the Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Persons (prohibition) Law 2020, From Awareness to Action,” held at the Ibom Hall, Uyo, the state’s capital.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, the governor’s wife applauded the commitment of members of the Committee in the fight aimed at reducing the alarming number of cases of human rights violations, describing GBV as a serious health issue that affects individuals, families and communities at large.
“I am proud of the efforts already made by the State GBV Management Committee, the coalition against GBV and partners. GBV is not just a violation of human rights, but a devastating public health issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. It robs survivors of their dignity, impedes their potentials and hinders our collective progress,” Mrs Eno explained.
She therefore urged the Akwa Ibom people to actively participate in the campaign, noting that “here in Akwa Ibom State, we recognise the urgent need to address this scourge head-on.
“It is our collective responsibility to speak out, to support survivors and to challenge the norms that perpetuate violence, mindful of the fact that the fight against Gender Based Violence is not only a fight for women and girls, but a fight for justice and equality for all, including men and boys.”
Presenting his keynote address on the central theme of the event, the Dean, Faculty of Law at the University of Uyo, Professor Mojisola Eseyin, called for the establishment of special GBV courts to ensure that gender based cases are handled with urgency, sensitivity and expertise.
Professor Eseyin also recommended adequate funding, the establishment of therapeutic centers in all the local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, the creation of GBV response units in churches and other religious organisations, as some of the modalities needed to expedite pending cases and hasten the judicial process.
Setting the tone for the ceremony, the Secretary of the State GBV Management Committee, Barrister Emem Ette narrated an ugly incident of abuse that recently led to the untimely demise of a female victim, stating that response to GBV crimes is a collective responsibility by citizens who should look out for their neighbours and reach out for help where needed.
Barr. Ette informed the stakeholders and partners that the GBV awareness campaign which holds throughout the month of June, is targeted at drawing attention to the scourge of abuse and rape, start conversations and engage others in charting new pathways to end the scourge of violence crime in our society.