Aisha Buhari urges government to enforce law on rape to protect women, and children

 The wife of President Buhari, Aisha Buhari, has urged government at all levels in the country to enforce the law on rape in order to protect women and children.

The statement was made when she received some staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, and National Population Commission, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ezekiel Oyemomi, who came to brief her on the plan to launch an action to end violence against children, slated for 15 September.

According to the President’s wife, it had become necessary for government and international organizations to pursue policies and laws to protect women and children against the act.

“A number of cases on violence against women and children are being reported on daily basis with the most alarming one of those happening in higher institutions of learning. These include sexual harassment and assaults of female students by lecturers as a result of lack of laws and appropriate actions against the perpetrators."

“We are aware of the national law on rape passed this year on May 25 (Prohibition Act 2015) which states imprisonment ranging from 12 to 20 years. I advocate for the enforcement of this law at all levels. Unfortunately, children are the most vulnerable, being exploited at different stages of their lives,’’ she explained."

“It is my hope that with this renewed commitment by agencies, necessary steps will be taken to end violence against women and children particularly where this is rampant,” Aisha noted, adding that “The issue of the violence against children was dear to her heart and would do every possible to salvage the disadvantage situation of children and other vulnerable groups in the society.”

source: persecond news

Family of woman killed by AEPB officials cries out for justice

 

The family of late Mrs. Mary James Ojobane, who was allegedly killed by an official of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in an attempt to confiscate her goods, has called on the police authorities and groups to help them get justice.

The deceased’s family disclosed that the incident, which occurred at the former Police Barracks at the Wuse Zone 6 Abuja, had left them devastated.
According to reports, the deceased, a petty dealer on bean cake, was reportedly pushed down by an official of AEPB on September 1^st and died few hours later in the hospital.

The AEPB officials had claimed that they were on an official assignment to destroy illegal shops and roadside kiosks.
Investigations however revealed that a certain Chuma Chukwu, a businessman, who lives in the same neighbourhood, had reportedly written a petition against the deceased and others claiming that ...

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Buhari warns against human rights violation, applauds Armed Forces’ resolve to end insurgency,

President Muhammadu Buhari in an address to officers at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Saturday in Kaduna, reaffirmed his total commitment to the rule of law and warned that acts of human rights violation by the Armed Forces will not go unpunished. The troops were reminded by the President that the Armed Forces were not immune to the rule of law; 

“I wish to remind you of the Federal Government’s commitment to overhaul the rules of engagement and improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human rights violations by the armed forces."

“We are committed to a thorough investigation of recent and any future occurrences of human rights violations by elements of our Armed Forces."

“While I applaud the integrity and sterling record of the Armed Forces as an institution, this administration will insist on the rule of law, and deal with any proven cases of deviation from laws of armed conflict, including human rights abuses."

“In operational conduct Nigerians expect our Armed Forces to keep law and order, and not to behave like bullies. Let me reiterate this administration’s commitment to due process, merit and total observance of the rule of law as central pillars of a prosperous and democratic society."

“Rule of law as an element of good governance applies to the Armed Forces as much as any institution in our country. It is therefore gratifying that all three Services have recently taken steps to emphasize strict adherence to rules in recruitment, promotions, procurement, project executions and civil-military relations,” the President said at the passing out of Officer Cadets of the NDA’s 62 Regular Course and Short Service Course 43."

The President declared the he was pleased with the Armed Forces’ resolve to end the insurgency facing the country once and for all, assuring them of his Administration’s determination to ensure the speedy provision of platforms and equipment they require to win the war against terrorism and meet their long term needs.

source: daily post

WIMBIZ organizes town hall meeting on Female Participation in Politics

The Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ); last week, organized a meeting that brought women from all works of life especially politics together. The meeting which held at the Agip Recital Hall, Muson centre, was well attention by top female political icons in the likes of Mrs. Kemi Nelson (the Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos West);  Dr. Mrs. Ketebu ( former member, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1992 – 1993, Nigeria’s ambassador to Ireland); Mr. Ade Adefeko (Director, Corporate and Government Relations, Olams Nigeria Limited); Mrs Erelu Olusola (former Deputy Governor of Osun State and former Minister of state for Defence); Mrs. Comfort Oluremi Sonaiya (Nigeria’s first  female presidential candidate in the 2015 elections); Mrs Fashola (wife of the former governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola); and many more.

WIMBIZ, is a Nigerian non-profit organization formed in 2002 by 14 individuals (13 women and 1 man) who identified a serious issue concerning women in the workplace and in business, particularly in the areas of leadership capacity building and avenues for networking for growth. However, the organization has recently extended its area of focus to women’s participation in politics and encourages women to prominently feature in politics; starting from their primary wards.

The meeting was moderated by Adesuwa Oyenokwe, and featured firsthand accounts of women politicians as well as key stakeholders in the Nigerian society.