The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, led fellow lawmakers in presenting a petition on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday. The initiative was part of activities commemorating the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Speaking at the event, Speaker Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enacting policies aimed at reducing violence against women, children, and girls. “This day is the day of history; a day that the National Assembly has chosen to become an active partner with other groups in the country to fight against gender-based violence,” he said.
The Speaker emphasized that the National Assembly would do everything humanly possible to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, if not eliminated. “I want to say it categorically clear that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, if not eliminated very shortly,” he added.
The event saw the participation of notable figures, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; and APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel. They joined voices in calling for an end to violence against women and girls. Speaker Abbas led a walk advocating for the elimination of GBV, joined by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Majority Leader Hon. (Prof) Julius Ihonvbere, and Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, among others. The walk was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Speaker declared open the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the issue. “We in the parliament must have to unite – more than ever before – with the relevant authorities particularly law enforcement to ensure that we curb this dangerous trend to the barest minimum,” he said.
The Chairman of the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Ogbara, led the delegation to the Force Headquarters, where she presented the petition on behalf of the House. The petition demanded a thorough investigation into cases of violence against women and girls.
The advocacy train moved from the National Assembly Complex to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, where the House presented a petition to the Inspector-General of Police. The petition called for proper investigation and prosecution of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Speaker Abbas emphasized that the National Assembly would play an active role in the next national action plan against violence against women. “We will send our representatives. We will also participate actively in ensuring that pro-poor policies are enacted to significantly reduce the incidences of violence of all kinds against women, against children, against girls,” he said.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence will feature various activities, including advocacy walks, sensitization programs, and policy discussions. The National Assembly will be actively involved in these activities to raise awareness and promote action against GBV.
The event marked a significant step in the National Assembly’s efforts to address GBV and promote gender equality. As Speaker Abbas emphasized, “This is an unacceptable trend. This is an unforgivable trend. We in the parliament must have to unite – more than ever before – with the relevant authorities particularly law enforcement to ensure that we curb this dangerous trend to the barest minimum.”
