Speaker Urges State Legislatures to Ensure Law Against GBV is Domesticated

•As UNFPA, Benue government collaborate to fight GBV

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has promoted the ending of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, calling on Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to ensure the law is passed in all the states.

He made this call on Monday in Abuja at the convergence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to commemorate the conclusion of the 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence – an event hosted by UN Women in conjunction with the House of Representatives.

In another related development, the Benue State Government through the office of Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, (BICD) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has held a one-day parley on tackling Gender Based Violence GBV, at the grassroots with 23 Local Government Areas’ chairmen in the state.

The event was part of the yearly 16 days activism organized by the state to campaign and create awareness against GBV. The theme for 2024 is “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Against Women and Girls.”

While Speaker Abbas stated that the UN event was part of activities lined up to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against GBV, the Speaker noted the campaign began on November 25th, with the People’s House taking a prominent role in supporting the push to end the crime that should not just be seen as against women but humanity.

Abbas also stated that the involvement of the House signified its resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce the legislature’s collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society.

He said: “As we mark the conclusion of this critical campaign today, we also celebrate International Human Rights Day. These 16 days have served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.

“The National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation. Since 1999, we have championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. These laws have laid a solid foundation for addressing GBV and advancing gender equity.

“The 10th Assembly has amplified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.

“This agenda reflects our recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric. Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low.

“This imbalance must change – not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”

He said that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation cannot be overstated, noting that: “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future. Women are the glue that holds our families and communities together. Despite this, systemic barriers, including cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal protections, have hindered their full participation in political and public life.”

The Speaker while revealing that the 10th Assembly has taken proactive steps to address the barriers, said: “Recognising past pitfalls, we have commenced the constitutional amendment process early to allow for extensive consultation and consensus-building.

“The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has embarked on robust sensitisation and advocacy efforts, engaging stakeholders to build support for provisions that will constitutionalise greater women’s representation.

“These efforts go beyond tokenism. Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.

“The 2003 Constitution of Rwanda mandates that at least 30% of positions in decision-making organs be reserved for women, a policy that has propelled women to hold 61.3% of parliamentary seats.

“Similarly, recent reforms to the Indian Constitution allocate 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Nepal’s Constitution requires that women make up at least one-third of the total members of the federal parliament.

“In Uganda, the Constitution ensures one woman representative for every district in Parliament. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Constitution reserves special seats for women, comprising no less than 30% of parliamentary seats. Zimbabwe’s Constitution also guarantees 60 additional seats for women in the National Assembly during its first two parliaments after enactment.

“Nigeria must embrace this progressive trend – not only to align with global advancements in gender inclusion but also to set a leading example for others.”

The Speaker pointed out that State Houses of Assembly are pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms and that the active participation and support of State Speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the subnational level.

He said: “I commend the Speakers here today for their progressive stance and for being the most forward-thinking group of Speakers since 1999. Your support for gender-based bills and proposals currently before the National Assembly is a testament to your commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria.

“I understand the challenges you face and urge you to engage in constructive dialogue to refine these proposals. Let us work together to integrate your perspectives into the final legislation, ensuring that no valid concerns are left unaddressed.”

The Speaker said that the House of Representatives remains resolute in its commitment to advancing gender equity, adding that the time has come to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that have long hindered women’s progress.

Earlier, in her welcome speech, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, called for the support of the Speakers of states House of Assembly to ensure that women are given the deserved respect in the country, noting that it is imperative that women are made to feel there was no grand design against them.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, in a goodwill message, the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, affirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating GBV through comprehensive legal frameworks, collaborative partnership with NGOs and civil society and survivor support services.

He said the initiatives aim to foster a safer and equitable Benue State for all residents.

The Director General BICD, Leo- Angelo Viashima, while speaking to newsmen, said within the 16-day period of activism, the state government stood with survivors of GBV and made commitments and also collaborated with organizations to ensure that it begins to emplace frameworks ensuring such behaviours are not allowed in the state.

He said the event was also to send warning to perpetrators that they are not above the law and that the laws would catch up with them.

He said to demonstrate its commitment, Governor Alia has recently passed the disability law and is committed to all efforts that will eliminate GBV in the state.

Viashima stated that the local governments areas are autonomous and because Governor Alia respects their autonomy, BIDC have worked with the UNFPA to involve the LG chairmen who are expected to take the conversations to the grassroots and establish a 23-stage platform where we would begin to see a change

He charged the LG chairmen and their wives as mother to be girls and women champions in their communities to rid the state of GBV.

The chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON), Maurice Orwough, said they will ensure all chairmen establishes a GBV center with wives participating to ensure issues of GBV and other vices were addressed.

He said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s respect and support for LG autonomy in the state has paved way for developments and effective service deliveries at the grassroots.

He said they will partner Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) to end GBV and other social vices.

His words: “For us at the LG, the message has been preached and an assignment has been given. We will take the messages to the grassroots and we will be working with our wives to ensure that the platforms are registered and established to tackle this challenge.”

Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, a Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) analyst, Dr. Hamiru Welye, called for collaboration and capacity building of all stakeholders to properly equip them in the fight against GBV.

While he pledged to support Benue State Government, Welye said violence happens everywhere including in our homes and urged all hands to be on deck to ensure that such acts of violence were reported and perpetrators brought to book.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Government on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair, Mr. Denen Aondaaka, called for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the fight against the GBV.