March 29, 2024

Gender Based Violence Matters and Ways to Curtail Them

The World has suddenly become another territory whereby human lives become valueless. The hitherto good and peaceful co-existence between human beings through marital, blood, friendly and social relationships have completely disappeared. The new trend is violence upon violence. Thus, human societies have become places of terror.

By the nature of these gender based violence matters, security outfits have little role to play as most of these cases are usually compromised in one way or the other, such as to avoid stigmatization, saving of family name and rest.

However, the alternative is to hang on to other voluntary human rights organs to come to assist and to help to contribute to the curtailment of these GBV cases. Kudos must be given to organisations like FIDA and other groups for their untiring efforts to sensitize the abilities of would be offenders from its commission.

However, these voluntary bodies have their limits and so also organs like Nigeria Police and other investigating/prosecuting agents from stopping these social misfits from occurrence. More importantly, where GBV offences escaped and moved further to deciding authorities like Court of law another problem ensures. This being an important organ that would greatly help to curtail GBV cases. But unfortunately, in Nigeria the regular courts are overwhelmed with day to day cases.

However, the Child Rights Act, 2003, has more or less provided solace even though it is aimed to protect the rights of children. But it can also be of help to curtail the numerous cases of GBV when it comes to the matter of adjudication.

Section 149 of the Child Rights Act, 2003, establishes the Family Court. Even though it is essential for each state of the Federation to determine all matters that relates to children’s rights. However, the powers and jurisdiction of this court can be altered and expanded to entertain any type of GBV matters. This will quicken the dispensation of cases and consequently reduce the bad effects of GBV offences on the society.

May we be guided.
Lakpene Yusuf Bida, Esq.
28-11-2022.

lakpeneyusuf048@gmail.com

Lakpene Yusuf Bida, Esq. was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1983. Before then, he attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for Dip.In-Law between 1975/1977, LLB between 1979/1982, and the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1982/83. NYSC Kwara 1983/84. Mr. Lakpene worked as Court Registrar 1977-1979 and was appointed as Magistrate by Niger state Judiciary and served between 1984-1991. He later transferred service to the Legal Division NNPC and served at different capacities such as Legal Adviser/Company Sec. KRPC, Legal Adviser/Company SEC.NETCO, Lagos, Legal Adviser/Company Sec.IDSL, Benin. Since retirement, he has authored about eleven books on different legal topics. Four yet to be published. A Notary Public and daily article writer on the WhatsApp and Facebook. He’s also a part time law lecturer in Minna and has traveled overseas for various official assignments. He is married with children.


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