STATEMENT FROM WIVES OF GOVERNORS OF THEFEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, CONCERNINGVIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN INNIGERIA.
We have observed with dismay, the intense levels of violence againstwomen and children in the country. As mothers, we empathize withsurvivors of these heinous acts and urge them to be courageous inspeaking up, no matter how long it takes. We salute them. We lend our voices to that of our First Lady, HE Dr Aisha Buhari, whorecently called for action to be taken on the increasing rate at whichwomen and children are being sexually abused in Nigeria. On a dailybasis, we are inundated with cases of defilement (of even babies of sixmonths old), rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment and murders ofwomen and children. It is also worrisome that women and children with special needs have alsobecome targets of sexual violence. We note with concern that in spite ofthe existence of laws at the federal level such as the Violence AgainstPersons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 as well as legislations at State level toprotect the well-being of women and children, perpetrators continue theirdespicable acts with impunity. On the rare occasions when incidences ofrape are reported, victims are intimidated and shamed into silence.As concerned mothers and citizens, we hereby:1. Call on the Inspector General of Police to direct the NigerianPolice to treat rape and defilement cases with the speed andseriousness such cases deserve, in order to ensure justice forvictims. We are also requesting that the Nigerian Police should betactful and supportive in the handling of alleged sexual offencesand take measures to prevent the intimidation of victims byfamilies and associates of suspects. We are also appealing for Rapeand Sexual Offences desks to be created in Police Stations acrossthe country where they do not exist, and that appropriately trainedpersonnel are designated to provide timely support for victims.
- Implore the Attorney General of the Federation as well as StateAttorney Generals to fast track cases of rape and defilement. Wealso urge the setting up of Special Offences Courts for rape anddefilement cases, and for such cases to be charged to the courts andheard without undue delays.3. Beseech the Minister of Health to ensure the provision of timely,sensitive and comprehensive medical services to victims of sexualviolence. We plead that all medical facilities be equipped withRape Kits and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rapevictims from contracting HIV. It is also our hope that professionalcounselling services can be made available to sexual violencesurvivors. 4. Appeal to the National Assembly, Executive Governors and StateHouses of Assembly to facilitate the passage of laws to protectwomen and children from violence and abuse. Where legislationalready exists, we call for political will in the enforcement andimplementation of such laws. In this regard, urgent medicalattention, shelter, counselling and other support mechanisms forsurvivors are important.5. Plead with all political, religious and community leaders to speakup against the abuse of women and children.6. Encourage civil society organisations and women’s support groupsto continue to advocate on behalf of victims as well as provide allrelevant services. We acknowledge the efforts of organisationssuch as WRAPA, which was created by former First Lady, HEJustice Fati Abubakar, and many others across the country whohave been working tirelessly on these issues.7. Urge the general public to address this issue by supporting victimsto get justice and breaking the culture of silence and stigma whichprevents victims from coming forward. As Wives of Governors, we are committed to using our positions tosupport all efforts aimed at mitigating this scourge. Nigerian women andchildren deserve to live their lives free from abuse of any kind.
SignedHE Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Wife of Chairman, Nigerian Governors ForumHE Dr Amina Abubakar, Chair, Northern Governors Wives ForumHE Mrs Betsy Obaseki, Chair, Southern Governors Wives ForumOn behalf of Nigerian Governors WivesDate: July 23 2019Cc: HE Dr Aisha Buhari, 1st Lady, Federal Republic of NigeriaHE Hon. Ahmed Lawal, Senate PresidentRt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla, Speaker of the House of RepresentativesChief Justice of NigeriaIG Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, Inspector General of PoliceHE Dr Kayode Fayemi, Chairman, Nigerian Governors ForumHon. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Federal GovernmentPermanent Secretary, Ministry of JusticePermanent Secretary, Ministry of HealthMr Dayo Apata, Solicitor General of Nigeria
