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Gender-Based Violence: NASS Pledges Stiffer  Legislations

Published

6 years ago

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From Alhasan Bala ,Abuja

 

 

 

 

The National Assembly has pledged to make stiffer legislation or amend existing laws that will strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria to conform with global best practices.

 

The Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele stated this in Abuja Thursday, when he represented the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan at the official launch of the UNSUB web and mobile application, as a response platform for victims of SGBV in Nigeria.

 

The Senate President observed that issues of SGBV have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and across the globe, “saying there is a need for us as a nation to come together, brainstorm and fashion out best ways to tackle the menace.

 

According to the Senate President who is also the Chairman of the National Assembly, “injection of technologies would always minimize the potency of criminal actions and expand the range of management, in the concerted bid to rid the system of these crimes”.

 

He said the theme of this launching, which is “Exploring Innovative Routes to tackling the escalation of SGBV in a pandemic”, is very apt as it captures the essence of creativity in dealing with a malaise, made rife by the pandemic.

 

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu Esq. in his statement noted that perpetrators of rape and other Sexual and Gender-Based Violence will no longer go unpunished following the launch of UNSUB Platform by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with other partners as the platform will ensure accountability for these heinous crimes.

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According to the Ojukwu, UNSUB Platform is designed by a technology company, CANs to support responders to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence to get justice for the survivors and victims, as well as pave the way for the punishment of offenders in accordance with the law.

 

The Chief Human Rights Officers in Nigeria disclosed that UNSUB Platform is launched in collaboration with CANs, OSIWA, Office of the Vice President, and Embassy of Switzerland to facilitate synergy amongst stakeholders in handling cases of rape and SGBV.

 

“The Commission has observed with admiration the upsurge in efforts by various stakeholders through varying activities all geared towards tackling the global monster of SGBV from their respective corners and there is no doubt that the various efforts have helped in no small measures in addressing the problems of SGBV which is highly commendable”, the Executive Secretary stated.

 

Ojukwu recalled that before the launch of UNSUB Platform, the Commission had carried out a series of advocacy to stamp out the increasing cases of SGBV which he pointed out include an automated 24 hours call center with gender-sensitive attendants that operationalize the UNSUB Platform.

 

The Human Rights Chief Executive Officer said that the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Office of the Vice President have concluded arrangements to include NHRC as one of the response agencies in the national Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) “to avail us the use of 112-toll free number as an added number for reporting SGBV and other human rights abuses all over the country”.

 

He also used the opportunity to appreciate the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN for always leading from the front on the fight against rape, SGBV, and other human rights violations.

 

In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matter, Hon. Simon Karu who represented the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. John Dyegh said that they are ready to collaborate with the Commission to ensure that the disturbing issues of rape and other SGBV cases are tackled head-on.

 

The climax of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by NHRC’s Executive Secretary and CANs Managing Partner, Olajide Abiose to ensure a smooth operation of the UNSUB Platform.

 

Abiose said that the UNSUB Platform will serve as a veritable platform to encourage reportage of SGBV cases because “it inspires confidence and allows for anonymous reporting”.

 

Other partners in the fights against SGBV and other related violations who were represented at the occasion include OFFICE OF THE AGF, IGP, NAPTIP, WACOL, FIDA, WRAPA, OSIWA, etc.

 

 

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ADC Defies INEC, Vows to Proceed with Congresses Amid Leadership Crisis

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9 minutes ago

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April 2, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared it will go ahead with its scheduled congresses and national convention, defying the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to suspend recognition of the party’s leadership.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted that the ADC has fulfilled all legal requirements, having formally notified the electoral body of its planned events.

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“We will go ahead with our congresses. We have given INEC 21 days’ notice, they have accepted. Whether they come or not, we will continue with our congresses and our convention,” Abdullahi said during an interview on Arise TV.

His remarks come just days after INEC announced it would withhold recognition of the ADC’s leadership pending the outcome of a court case related to an internal dispute within the party.

The standoff sets the stage for a potential clash between the electoral commission and the opposition party, raising fresh questions about party governance, internal democracy, and the legal limits of INEC’s oversight powers in Nigeria.

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ADC Rejects INEC’s Ruling Interpretation, Vows to Clarify Contradictions

Published

5 hours ago

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April 2, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal statement, alleging that the commission has abandoned its neutrality by siding with the federal government.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s position, describing it as “contradictory and inconsistent with facts.” The party claimed that INEC was acting under pressure from a government it characterized as “jittery” due to the ADC’s growing momentum.

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“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” the statement read. “We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties.”

The ADC accused the electoral commission of caving to political pressure, asserting that it has effectively chosen to align with the government against the Nigerian people. The party vowed to publicly clarify what it called the contradictions in INEC’s statement.

According to the release, the ADC is currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next steps in the coming days. The party urged its members and the public to remain steadfast.

“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon. Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” the statement concluded, adding the slogans: “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”

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ADC Rising: Salga hails influx of political heavyweights as a turning point for justice

Published

17 hours ago

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April 1, 2026

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Ambassador Abdulrahman Mai Nasara Salga, a prominent ADC leader from Dala, Kano, has welcomed the influx of influential politicians into the party, describing it as a sign of ADC’s growing acceptance.

Salga, who contested for the federal legislature in Dala during the 2023 general election, says the party’s progress is heartening, having worked tirelessly to promote ADC’s agenda and position it as a viable alternative for good governance.

He highlights the entry of Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, and APC’s 2025 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among others, as major boosts that are transforming ADC into a formidable opposition force.

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Salga believes these developments signal a shift towards justice and better leadership in Kano and Nigeria. He urges party leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso, to unite for success in 2027.

The ADC leader pledges continued efforts to promote the party’s ideals, expressing optimism for a brighter future with these influential additions.

 

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