by FIDAFIDA Nigeria’s Statement on the Corona Virus Pandemic (COVID – 19)
FIDA Nigeria extends her warm heartfelt felicitations to everyone at this most difficult time of the Corona Virus Pandemic, where great countries are being brought to a standstill and the continuous reports of sickness and deaths are overwhelming.
The fight to survive is real for everyone (countries and individuals alike) and the reliance on government and the health sector to urgently do the needful and overcome this pandemic is indeed a great burden that must be lifted without delay
The government must rise up to its responsibility to her citizens particularly to provide health care, basic amenities and security, just as citizens on their own part must cooperate with government so that in the shortest of times and with minimal casualties we can overcome as a nation
At this most difficult time, FIDA Nigeria empathizes with everyone, being that in one way or another, we are all affected whether it is through the loss of a loved one, or the many challenges of isolation, quarantine, the loss of jobs and income, the sense of frustration and fear, or the feeling of hopelessness and despondency, the lack of proper shelter and amenities, the inadequacy of the health care facilities, the children and youth out of school, the list goes on and on…it is well with us all as no one is truly alone.
We encourage everyone to have the right attitude, there is indeed a time for everything, therefore please focus on the positives, which include the opportunities presented at this time, to help, to reflect, to read, to reconnect, to encourage, counsel, to do the pending things on your To-Do list, etc. Think outside the box, what can you do help your family, neighbor, community and State, (even if it is just to stay at home and observe social distancing).
This positive attitude is preferred, rather than focusing on the disruption of your program, what you have lost or what you cannot have at this time; then taking advantage of the vulnerable, inflation and the creation of artificial scarcity of necessary items, etc. All this cannot help you or society. Rather, remember to count your blessings and be thankful regardless of all the issues around you for it could always be worse.
FIDA, therefore, appeals to everyone to obey all the rules and guidelines issued by the relevant government authorities. Be vigilant and careful, be safe; as your family and community need you.
FIDA Nigeria cares about the wellbeing of the family and society, particularly the vulnerable in it.
Closely watch your children/wards and protect them so they are not raped or abused; Adults in confined spaces must avoid antagonizing each other especially when there are already underlining issues with emotional and physical abuse; ensure also that there is no stigmatization of the sick, they need care and protection.
We charge Government (whether Local, State, or Federal) to do its part in providing the necessary medical care and facilities for its citizens especially the vulnerable in society; ensure adequate medical facilities in close proximity to the people, ensure easy protocols to be observed so it’s not too cumbersome for people who are already vulnerable, keep people at the grassroots properly informed (in simple understandable language); Provide continuous water and electricity supply and security for people and their property at this trying time, provide proper and adequate palliatives that would reach those really in need
FIDA applauds and commends State Governments who have been most proactive at this time. Thank you for your responsible governance.
FIDA Nigeria is committed to providing legal support to the vulnerable. Together we are strong and can overcome any challenge as a family and a nation.
#StaySafe!
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria, Edo State Branch Marks The International Women’s Day
FIDA Nigeria, Edo State Branch visited the Chairperson Egor Local Government Council in commemoration of International Women’s Day. The visit Climaxed at Ediaken market popularly known as Uselu Market in Benin city to sensitize women and men about Gender Equality .
by FIDAFIDA Lagos Marks The International Women’s Day
FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch calls on all women to rise above their limitations. Together we shall surmount the obstacles that deters us and be veritable tools for developing our families and society. Happy International Women’s Day
by FIDAUN SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE (UNSI)
FIDA Nigeria is a selected UN Women implementing partner on the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative. The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations (EU-UN) Agencies to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The Initiative seeks to respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, by beaming a spotlight on these existential issues, while placing it at the centre of a collective drive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
FIDA Nigeria has been assigned to work on Outcome 1: Legislative and policy frameworks, based on evidence and in line with international human rights standards, on all forms of violence against women and girls and harmful practices are in place and translated into plans; and Outcome 2: National and sub-national systems and institutions plan, fund and deliver evidence-based programmes that prevent and respond to violence against women and girls and harmful practices, including in other sectors in the FCT, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Lagos and Cross Rivers states.
by FIDAInternational Women’s Day 2020
“I Am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights,”
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day 2020!
We declare that women all over the world are priceless, strong, focused and multi-talented beings who hold society together and deserve to be celebrated every day! But most of all, they deserve to enjoy their basic rights.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable society. We will achieve it when both women and men alike enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society.
Nigerian women must be allowed to enjoy greater economic empowerment and participation; more opportunities in leadership positions and decision-making, better opportunities for a girl child education, more women in political appointments, and women allowed to inherit and own property to mention a few.
It is also key that the different behaviors, aspirations and needs of women and men are valued, favored and allowed to grow and flourish. Women can be anything they so desire without limitation and should not be stifled by stereotyping and old labor laws that are limiting and discriminatory against women.
Challenges still exist despite the enactment of relevant new laws such as Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA), The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP), as we see challenges in implementing the laws, in creating enabling structures to ensure the effective implementation of women’s rights.
Human rights are tools of dignity and equality and are to be enjoyed by all human beings at all times irrespective of sex, race, color, religion, or language.
Women’s rights are likewise fundamental human rights as enshrined 70 years ago by the United Nations for every human being on the planet and guaranteed by our Nigerian Constitution.
This year’s IWD theme aligns with the UN Women’s new multi-generational campaign ‘Generation Equality’;
This year, we mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. FIDA congratulates all women for the successes recorded so far; and also encourages all stakeholders because though we have accomplished much, a lot more remains to be achieved.
Therefore, we must continue to engage, discuss, collaborate and review ways of further promoting gender equality in our country, while setting new standards on practical ways for greater forward growth.
Despite great strides made towards attaining gender equality, there is ample evidence to show that much more needs to still be done in the aspect of living free from violence and discrimination; education; to own property; vote, and to earn a fair wage and enjoy political appointments.
We remember with dismay the recent attacks on the character and invasion of privacy of the Hon Justice Mary Odili, JSC because of a judgement delivered by a panel she headed and more recently the infringement of human rights and discrimination against the Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme by her non appointment as the substantive Chief judge of Cross River State. These are successful women who have reached the pinnacle of their careers yet their basic rights are still denied or infringed upon.
On the other hand, we acknowledge the progress recorded in stopping harmful practices such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), there is still much work to be done to completely eliminate such practices.
FIDA Nigeria, in line with Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), pledges to continue diligently with her objective and mission in the hope that succor will come to women in achieving gender equality, empowerment and the enjoyment of basic human rights.
FIDA Nigeria, therefore, calls for:
*Full implementation of the newly enacted laws which promote gender parity and the putting in place of facilities, machinery and structures enabling the implementation of the laws.
* The Review of old laws which limit the roles women play in the labor market
* A greater gender balance all around, at all levels and in all its ramifications. This is absolutely necessary because of the great benefits which will accrue to our communities and nation.
* Economic empowerment of women to secure their homes and ensure the survival of their children;
* Guaranteed women involvement in key institutions at all levels of government, including peace-building institutions
* The passage of gender-friendly legislation in Nigeria.
Gender balance will greatly benefit our society because everyone would be carried along, and given equal opportunities, rights and benefits. Peace and social justice will reign in our society and consequently, we would be a highly productive and progressive nation which is inclusive in all respects
Let’s work together to realize the enjoyment of women’s rights
“Women’s Rights are Human Rights”
“Promote Women’s Rights”
“Promote Human Rights”
#BalanceforBetter
#GenerationEquality
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Trains Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON)
FIDA Nigeria with the support of ActionAid and funding from Global Affairs Canada, is facilitating a training for Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) on access to land, land use and inheritance rights of women in the FCT. This training is to enlighten these women on how they can acquire land to promote their objectives and to charge them on how to be financially independent in order to reduce the incidence of economic violence.
Smallholder Farmers ActionAid Nigeria High Commission of Canada to Nigeria
by FIDAINFRINGEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: DISCRIMINATION OF HON. JUSTICE AKON IKPEME…
The attention of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has been drawn to an act of grave infringement of the human rights of Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme by the Governor of Cross River State and some members of the State House of Assembly.
It is heart-breaking to note that at this point of our struggle to stop all forms of discrimination in our society, we will be awakened to such discrimination on grounds of ethnicity and political zoning.
Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme has been the Acting Chief Judge of the state since March 12, 2019, following the retirement of Hon Justice Michael Edem. She has served meritoriously and despite several challenges along the way has accomplished and received a commendation from the Honourable President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Z. A. Bulkachuwa (CFR) as she then was, for her immense contribution towards achieving a sustainable and independent democracy in Nigeria.
Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme is an indigene of Akwa Ibom State but was born in Cross River State. She married a Cross Riverian blessed with children; She started her career with the Cross-River State Ministry of Justice and rose to the position of Director of Public Prosecution and further appointed a Judge in Cross River State. Even her father was a permanent secretary in Cross River and retired here. Her state of indigene cannot now be used against her. We must not allow ethnicity and politics to be the deciding factor in the appointment of a Chief Judge of Cross River State.
Justice Akon Ikpeme, being the most senior judge in the State, is the rightful person to act as Chief Judge of the State, since nothing else disqualifies her. The government cannot impose a junior based on tribalism and zoning. Issues such as geopolitical zoning, tribe have no place in evaluating this decision.
Section 271(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) confirms this position and is further supported by our legal professional rules of practice. The profession does not tolerate a deviation from the practice.
FIDA Nigeria restates that discrimination based on the state of origin amounts to grave injustice being that the constitution says, ‘the most senior judge of the High Court… and not the most senior indigenous judge of the High Court’.
Since there is no legal impediment against Hon Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme who qualifies, we can conclude that the rule of law supports her confirmation.
Section 271. (1) of the Constitution says “the Governor of the State shall make the appointment of a person to the office of Chief Judge of a State on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the State.
The action of the Executive Governor of Cross River State in appointing a junior judge instead of the Hon Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, who is the next senior Judge in the hierarchy of Cross River State Judiciary is a grave injustice
We, therefore, appeal to his Excellency, the Governor and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly to retract his action which is discriminatory and a breach of the constitution.
FIDA condemns in its entirety the practice of Chief Executives of States attempting to impose their preferred candidates for an appointment either as Judges or Chief Judge of a state. The National Judicial Council is independent and should remain so; there is an order of precedence involving the appointment of a Chief Judge of the state.
FIDA Nigeria unites with other groups in strongly condemning the undue interference and discrimination. This position is sad at a time like this when we are planning towards the celebration of the International Women’s Day, IWD themed: ‘Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights’ … this is a clear infringement of the rights of an honourable woman.
We, therefore, call on His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State to do the right thing and prove to the world that he abhors all forms of discrimination by swearing in the most senior Judge who has been acting effectively.
FIDA NIGERIA stands against all forms of discrimination and injustice. Let’s stop undue interference with the Judiciary and its processes. The independence of the Judiciary must be assured and guaranteed.
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria