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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
Zulum Joins the Rest of Borno People to Fast and Pray for Defeat of Boko Haram, Unity
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum dedicated Monday to prayer and fasting aimed at fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amidst the ongoing security challenges.
The governor who arrived in Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Council, before sunset on Sunday, spent the night coordinating support for security agencies and volunteer forces.
Kala-Balge is one of the communities in Borno State that has faced persistent security challenges from Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents that have disrupted daily life and threatened peace.
According to Zulum, the visit was part of his commitment to fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amidst the ongoing security challenges.
Zulum, who had urged citizens to observe fasting and prayers on Monday in a statewide broadcast on Saturday, stated that: “In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity. This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, and indeed the entire country.”
The governor on Monday expressed appreciation to the people of Borno and those outside the state for heeding his call to observe fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace in the state.
He said “let me express my appreciation to thousands of people in Borno that have observed today’s fasting and praying for peace to reign in our state. People from other states and even beyond Nigeria joined in seeking divine intervention for the security challenges we are facing. We thank everyone for the solidarity.”
Meanwhile, Zulum has approved 10 patrol vehicles to support the military and youth volunteers in combating the criminal activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Zulum, while announcing the approval on Monday during an address to both groups separately, noted that while the volunteers comprising CJTF, hunters and vigilantes would receive six Takoma/Toyota Hilux, an additional four gun-trucks would be donated to the military.
The Governor rounded up the visit in Kala-Balge by distributing food items to over 10,000 families, mostly women and their vulnerable family members.
Red cross confirms one dead, 21 injured in Bama stampede during cash disbursement
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has confirmed that one person died and 21 others sustained injuries following a stampede during a cash disbursement exercise in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at KASUGULA Primary School, one of the designated pay points for the second phase of a joint humanitarian cash transfer initiative by the NRCS and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
A statement issued by the NRCS on Saturday in Maiduguri described the incident as regrettable, noting that the cash support programme was designed to aid the educational needs of vulnerable families in three local government areas of the state.
The second phase of the disbursement, which targets 8,121 beneficiaries, commenced on May 14 across four locations in Bama, namely: KASUGULA Primary School, Old Bama Primary School, Kaigamari Primary School, and Mbusube Primary School.
“Over 1,000 beneficiaries successfully received assistance on the first day of distribution without incident,” the statement read.
However, on the second day of the exercise, overcrowding at the KASUGULA venue led to a stampede, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 21 others.
The NRCS said that four of the injured who experienced breathing difficulties were promptly resuscitated and remain under medical care. Their condition is reported to be stable, and they are expected to be discharged soon.
“All the injured were evacuated to the General Hospital in Bama for treatment,” the statement added.
The organisation expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to review its operational procedures to prevent a recurrence.
The cash disbursement initiative forms part of efforts to enhance access to education and reduce vulnerability among conflict-affected populations in Borno.
Red cross confirms one dead, 21 injured in Bama stampede during cash disbursement
Zulum begs FG not to allow Marte Fall
… Spends night coordinating security logistics
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has appealed to the Federal Government to deploy decisive strategies that would ensure that Marte town does not fall to Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Zulum, who was actively involved in coordinating security logistics till late in the night on Saturday, undertook a tour to assess the challenges faced in Marte, while also exploring sustainable solutions to foster stability.
Before Zulum’s arrival, Marte was completely deserted following a Boko Haram attack last Friday with thousands taking refuge in Dikwa town.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the governor emphasised that his visit to Marte was to foster community cooperation, resilience and continuous support to the security agencies, stating “Marte was resettled about 4 years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again.”
“About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa; this huge number is a threat as allowing them to stay in the camp may make most of the younger ones become vulnerable to recruitment by the insurgents.”
“Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers. The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground.
“Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages, now we have only one standing, if we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen. Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain.”
The governor reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in attaining lasting peace in Borno State, stating “on my part as the Governor of Borno State, I would do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved state.”
Zulum begs FG not to allow Marte Fall
Zulum Joins the Rest of Borno People to Fast and Pray for Defeat of Boko Haram, Unity
Zulum spends night in Kala Balge, observes fasting/prayer day
Red cross confirms one dead, 21 injured in Bama stampede during cash disbursement
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