By Agabus Pwanagba, Jos
The Plateau State Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has appealed to the State Government to expedite action in the
establishment of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission,.
It also said the establishment of the aforementioned Commission will ensure the implementation and monitoring of not just the Plateau Gender and Equal Opportunities Law, but that of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2022.
The coalition which is made up of a wide range of development practitioners including gender activists, human rights monitors and seasoned journalists among others, through its Facilitator, Comrade Gad Peter while briefing newsmen in Jos, the State Capital, said establishing the Commission will amplify the Governor Simon Lalong led administration’s “HeforShe nature”.
While appreciating the Governor for the giant stride taken in the right direction, the Coalition said, ‘But like Oliver Twist we want to ask for more by further soliciting and advocating for the speedy establishment of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission which will ensure the implementation and monitoring of not just the Plateau Gender and Equal Opportunities Law but also the VAPP Act.
Adding that, “This will go a very long way in addressing the most serious issue most Nigerian laws are faced with, which is the issue of non-implementation.
According to the group, “Constituting the board of the Gender Commission swiftly will again portray an excellent image of the inclusive nature of His Excellency, Right Honourable Simon Bako Lalong administration. This will amplify his HeforShe nature and put him and his administration again in positive national and International limelight”.
Also, the Coalition said it is, “elated and immensely grateful to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Right Honourable Simon Bako Lalong for assenting to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2022.
The group also appreciated the various stakeholders that have contributed immensely in ensuring the passing and assenting of the VAPP Act; which includes the Hon. Esther Dusu, Member representing Jos North/West in the Plateau State House of Assembly and other members of the House.
Others include; Hon. Chrysanthus Ahmadu, Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Irmiya Werr, Commissioner of Special Duties, Hon Rebecca Sambo, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Hon Dan Manjang, Commissioner of Information.
“We also want to appreciate Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) media organizations and every member of the CSOs for your support.
According to the Coalition, “The VAPP law in summary seeks to eliminate or reduce to the minimum the occurrences of Gender Based Violence in the State. It protects the rights of citizens against violence. It aims at addressing gaps in current laws in private and public spaces. Specifically, it is aimed at responding to old and emerging forms of Sexual Gender Based Violence.
“Some of the major acts of violence which the law prohibits are found in clauses 3 to 26 of the Act. An offence such as rape which upon conviction will attract the punishment of life imprisonment and a person who aids, abets or conceals an offender is liable to imprisonment for a minimum of 12 years.
“Forceful eviction of a marriage partner or refusal of access to his/her home commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of 2 years or a fine of N300, 000 or both”, the Coalition explained.
“Anyone who incites aids or abets another to eject persons with disabilities or forceful ejection of widows by in-laws or relatives is liable to one year imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 or both.
“On abandonment of spouse, children and other dependants without any means of sustenance is liable to imprisonment to a term of 3 years or a fine of 500,000 or both.
“The law also prevents spousal/partner battery. Anyone who stalks another is liable to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of 500,000 or both”, the Group maintained.
“We will use this opportunity to call on the Honourable Commissioner for Justice to please ensure a quick gazette of the VAPP law”, the Coalition stressed.
