The Nigeria Governors Forum has agreed to declare a state of emergency on sexual and gender-based violence against women and children.
This was announced in Abuja and signed by the Chairman of the NGF, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, after the forum’s 10th COVID-19 virtual meeting held on Wednesday.
The Governors strongly condemned all forms of violence against women and children and committed to ensuring that offenders face the maximum weight of the law; They also agreed to, “Declare a State of Emergency on Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
“Call on State Governors that have not already domesticated relevant gender-based protection laws to domesticate the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child Rights Act and the updated Penal Code to increase protection for women and children and ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of perpetrators in addition to creating a sex offenders register in each State to name and shame.”
Fayemi also stated that governors should ensure the state commissioners of police provide reports on their response to sexual and gender-based violence at the state and local government levels.
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