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Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria

Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has promoted the ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, calling on Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to ensure that the law is passed in all there states.
He made this call on Monday in Abuja at the convergence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to commemorate the conclusion of the 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence. An event hosted by UN Women in conjunction with the House of Representatives.
The Speaker while stating that the UN bent was part of activities lined up to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against GBV, noted that the campaign began on November 25th, with the People’s House taking a prominent role in supporting the push to end the crime that should not just be seen as against women but humanity.
Abbas, who also stated that the involvement of the House signified its resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, said: “As we mark the conclusion of this critical campaign today, we also celebrate International Human Rights Day. These 16 days have served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.
“The National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation. Since 1999, we have championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. These laws have laid a solid foundation for addressing GBV and advancing gender equity.
“The 10th Assembly has amplified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.
This agenda reflects our recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric. Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change—not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”
He said that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation cannot be overstated, noting that: “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future. Women are the glue that holds our families and communities together. Despite this, systemic barriers, including cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal protections, have hindered their full participation in political and public life.”
The Speaker while revealing that the 10th Assembly has taken proactive steps to address the barriers, said: “Recognising past pitfalls, we have commenced the constitutional amendment process early to allow for extensive consultation and consensus-building. The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has embarked on robust sensitisation and advocacy efforts, engaging stakeholders to build support for provisions that will constitutionalise greater women’s representation.
“These efforts go beyond tokenism. Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.
“The 2003 Constitution of Rwanda mandates that at least 30% of positions in decision-making organs be reserved for women, a policy that has propelled women to hold 61.3% of parliamentary seats. Similarly, recent reforms to the Indian Constitution allocate 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Nepal’s Constitution requires that women make up at least one-third of the total members of the federal parliament. In Uganda, the Constitution ensures one woman representative for every district in Parliament. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Constitution reserves special seats for women, comprising no less than 30% of parliamentary seats. Zimbabwe’s Constitution also guarantees 60 additional seats for women in the National Assembly during its first two parliaments after enactment. Nigeria must embrace this progressive trend – not only to align with global advancements in gender inclusion but also to set a leading example for others”
The Speaker pointed out that state Houses of Assembly are pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms and that the active participation and support of State Speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the subnational level.
He said: “I commend the Speakers here today for their progressive stance and for being the most forward-thinking group of Speakers since 1999. Your support for gender-based bills and proposals currently before the National Assembly is a testament to your commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria.
“I understand the challenges you face and urge you to engage in constructive dialogue to refine these proposals. Let us work together to integrate your perspectives into the final legislation, ensuring that no valid concerns are left unaddressed.”
The Speaker said that the House of Representatives remains resolute in its commitment to advancing gender equity, adding that the time has come to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that have long hindered women’s progress.
Earlier, in her welcome speech, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara called for the support of the Speakers of states House of Assembly to ensure that women are given the deserved respect in the country, noting that it is imperative that women are made to feel there was no grand design against them.
Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria
News
Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno

Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Recent reports claiming that former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), narrowly escaped death in an alleged Boko Haram ambush in Borno State are categorically false and misleading.
Zagazola Makama can confirm that there was never any attack on the retired general, contrary to statements made by Senator Ali Ndume and recklessly amplified by several media outlets without a shred of verification.
What actually happened was a coordinated three-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists on military facilities in Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area, on Friday. The assault targeted the Battalion Headquarters, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Command Secondary School – not Lt.-Gen. Buratai or any convoy associated with him.
Let us be clear:
Lt.-Gen. Buratai was nowhere near the ambush, and at no point was his life in danger. This is not a matter of semantics, it’s a matter of truth versus dangerous misinformation.
Zagazola Makama, has previously reported how the ground troops, with critical support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano jets, repelled the attackers decisively.
During the encounter, two ISWAP gun trucks were destroyed, while a third was recovered during follow-up operations. Several terrorists were killed, including over 20 in airstrikes during their retreat through Mangari.
So how did this snowball into a national headline falsely claiming a “near-death” experience for the former army chief?
Because some politicians spoke irresponsibly, and certain media platforms ran with the story without basic verification, an unforgivable dereliction of journalistic duty, especially in a region as sensitive as the North East.
The media owes the public and the Armed Forces of Nigeria the duty of responsible reporting, not alarmist fiction wrapped in sensational headlines. The security situation in Buratai is under control, and troops continue to dominate the area to prevent any further attacks.
Let this stand as a final and factual rebuttal:
There was NO attack on Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. Period. Stop twisting the truth for cheap headlines.
Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno
News
Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad

Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad
By: Zagazola Makama
As part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and deny them freedom of action, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has conducted another successful air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Bukar Meram, located in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by sources that the mission, which was executed in the early hourz of Monday, June 9, at about 0545 hours, was carried out under the auspices of Operation KALACHEN WUTA II.
The sources said that the operation formed part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting terrorist activities before, during, and after the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah period.
He said that intelligence-led surveillance revealed that the terrorists were regrouping at the Bukar Meram location with intent to launch coordinated attacks on Marte and Monguno general areas.
Prompted by this credible intelligence, the Air Component swiftly mobilised to engage the enclave. Airstrikes were conducted with precision, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists.
The strikes also resulted in the destruction of critical terrorist logistics, including supply vehicles, makeshift shelters, and weapons storage points.
The decimation of the enclave not only inflicted significant losses on the terrorists but also disrupted their operational planning and movement.
The sources added that Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the mission confirmed that the planned attacks on Marte and Monguno were effectively thwarted.
Further intelligence gathering is ongoing to assess enemy reactions and possible movement patterns following the successful interdiction. Ground troops have also been placed on heightened alert to exploit the gains of the airstrike and maintain pressure on fleeing remnants.
Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad
News
French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel

French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel
By: Zagazola Makama
A 67-year-old French national, Mr. Pietier Gilles, has been found dead at a hotel in Gboko town in Benue state.
Zagazola Makama report that the deceased, believed to be a French tourist, was found dead on Saturday at Hotel Jovina, Gbokon, where he had lodged on June 6.
According to a police sources, on Sunday, the hotel manager, Mr. Emmanuel Terhide Laha, reported the incident to the “A” Division Police Station at about 5:45 p.m. on June 8.
Laha informed the police that the tourist fell ill on June 7 but declined to be taken to a hospital. Concerned about his deteriorating condition, the hotel management brought in a medical practitioner to examine him. He was, however, discovered to have died.
“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to the hotel where photographs of the scene were taken. The body was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gboko for preservation and autopsy,” the police said.
Gilles reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Niger Republic on May 19, 2025, traveling on a sports bicycle as part of what is believed to be a long-distance tour.
Police sources said investigation will be conducted, and all relevant diplomatic channels are being engaged to handle the situation appropriately.
French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel
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