Akwa Ibom First Lady Vows Tough Penalty as GBV Cases Rise in the State

Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the wife of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, has made a strong commitment to imposing severe penalties on offenders in order to deter the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.

She issued a stern warning to those who engage in harming women, urging them to stop their actions or face legal consequences if caught. In her efforts to combat GBV, the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State has called for collaboration between government entities and non-governmental organizations at all levels to effectively address and reduce these crimes.

During the launch of the State GBV Awareness Month event titled Implementing the Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Persons (prohibition) Law 2020, From Awareness to Action, held at Ibom Hall in Uyo, the state’s capital, the Chairperson of the State GBV Management Committee, who also serves as the First Lady, issued a stern warning.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, represented her at this occasion. She commended the Committee’s dedication to combatting human rights violations and emphasized that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a critical health concern impacting individuals and communities.

Mrs. Eno expressed pride in the Committee’s efforts and highlighted that GBV not only violates human rights but also poses significant public health risks with widespread repercussions on survivors’ well-being and societal progress.

She emphasized the importance of Akwa Ibom residents actively engaging in the campaign against Gender Based Violence, highlighting the pressing need to confront this issue directly within the state.

It is our shared duty to speak up, support survivors, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence. The battle against Gender Based Violence transcends gender boundaries; it is a quest for justice and equality for all individuals, including men and boys.

During his keynote speech at the event, Professor Mojisola Eseyin, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Uyo, advocated for the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to handling gender-based cases promptly, sensitively, and with expertise.

Professor Eseyin emphasized the importance of securing adequate funding and establishing therapeutic centers in all local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, as well as creating GBV response units in churches and other religious organizations.

These measures are essential for expediting pending cases and speeding up the judicial process. During the ceremony, Barrister Emem Ette, Secretary of the State GBV Management Committee, shared a tragic story of abuse that resulted in the untimely death of a female victim.

She stressed that responding to GBV crimes is a shared responsibility among citizens, who should be vigilant for signs of abuse and offer support when needed.

Barrister Ette also highlighted that the ongoing GBV awareness campaign in June aims to raise awareness about abuse and rape, spark conversations, and mobilize efforts to combat violent crimes in our society.