by FIDAFIDA Abuja celebrates Children’s Day 2023
FIDA Abuja as part of activities to mark the children’s day, went on a school outreach to Government Junior Secondary School, Gwarimpa on the 26th of May 2023, in a delegate led by the Branch Chairperson
The Chairperson in introducing FIDA and its mandate informed the students on the purpose of the outreach which was to celebrate in advance, the Children’s Day marked on the 27th of May 2023. She reminded them that they are primarily the voice and hope of the future and also informed them of the Child Rights Act 2007, which protects that voice.
The Branch’s Publicity Secretary further enlightened the students on the rights of a child to free, compulsory, and universal primary education using Section 15 of the Child Rights Act.
Realizing the role FIDA plays in the lives of women and children, the School’s principal, Mrs. Zainab Hassan, appreciated FIDA for the enlightenment and prayed for continuous exercise in the school for the benefit of the children.
In response, the Chairperson while promising a cordial and working relationship, assured the school’s principal of subsequent exercises in the school.
Closing the visit, the Chairperson presented copies of the VAPP Act, FIDA Contact/Flyers, and gift items to the school.
by FIDAChild Protection and Safeguarding Training
FIDA Uyo Branch in her efforts to ensure that parents, teachers, and other handlers of children are empowered to protect children and report violations, organized training on Child Protection and Safeguarding. The training was held on 25th May 2023 at Justice Eno Otu Bar Centre, Uyo.
Forty-five participants drawn from heads of public and private schools, parents, handlers of children in church, and NGOs benefited from the training.
Highlights of topics discussed were: Child Rights, Principles of Safeguarding; Types of abuse; detecting non-physical abuse, and taking action where there is abuse or likelihood of abuse.
On behalf of the participants, the principal of Ndikpo Grammar School. Mrs. Julie Effiong thanked FIDA for the training and urged FIDA to train more handlers of children.
by FIDAFIDA holds debate for stakeholders towards developing a policy statement on the unconstitutionality of the provision of section 396 (7) of the ACJA in Kano State
In attendance were representative(s) of the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State, NBA Chairman, Ministry of Justice, PCACC, ICPC, Police, Corrections, Faculty of Law BUK, legal aid council, PWAN, and other partners.
Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, was coined to abolish delay of trials occasioned by the elevation of a sitting judge to a higher court, however, this section was decided unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Udeogu v FRN & Ors.
Premised on this, FIDA Nigeria on Wednesday the 24th of May organized a workshop in Kano State with the support of MacArthur Foundation, for stakeholders to debate on the effect of the unconstitutionality of section 396(7) as decided by the Supreme Court, with an objective to provide a platform for Criminal Justice Actors to discuss the implications the unconstitutionality of this section has on litigants in respect of speedy trials especially relating to corruption cases across various courts.
Inputs from Criminal Justice Actors will be collated, incorporated from discussions ranging from challenges in conclusions of speedy trials, recommendations and practical solutions in enhancing speedy trials taking into cognizance uniqueness of focal states peculiarities and independence in adopting the ACJA.
In attendance were representative(s) of the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State, NBA Chairman, Ministry of Justice, PCACC, ICPC, Police, Corrections, Faculty of Law BUK, legal aid council, PWAN and other partners.
The findings of the workshop will form part of the policy document being developed which will serve as an advocacy tool to relevant stakeholders at the National Level by outlining ways forward in ensuring the intention of the provision to aid the speedy dispensation of justice is preserved
by FIDAFIDA Rivers Commemorates International Day of the Boy
In commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch visited Enitonna Boys School, an all Boy’s School on the 16th of May 2022
In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, which bothers the Boy and his Mental Health, the boys were educated on the importance of mental health as well as the environmental factors that affect same. They were admonished to break all gender stereotypes, discover themselves and be confident in who they are. They were further advised to eschew all bad influences in society and focus on their education which is their primary responsibility.
Other topics discussed with the boys were; Sexual Offences and their consequences and the Rights of the Boy Child as provided under the laws of Rivers State.
It was an educative, enlightening, and insightful session for the boys and their teachers. Sophia I. J. Afolayan Publicity Secretary/Editor FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch.
by FIDAInauguration of the FCT GBV Monitoring & Evaluation Committee
The Chairperson Abuja branch, Chibuzo Nwosu, and Program Officer, Chioma Okoye – Chukwuma honored an invitation by the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment & Development (FRED) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs held at the Community Hall, Social Development Secretariat Area 10, Garki, Abuja. On Thursday, 30th of March, 2023.
The meeting was initiated by FRED to inaugurate the FCT GBV M & E State technical working group and subcommittees, present and adopt the finalized Terms of Reference (TOR) and finally upscale the collation and reporting of the rate of incidents of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the FCT using the national GBV reporting tools to enhance GBV data coordination and Management.
Goodwill messages were taken from Representatives of Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Legal secretariat, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), Health Secretariat, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWDI) Foundation For Resilient Empowerment (FRED) and our own very Chairperson, FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch.
Delivering her goodwill message, the Chairperson applauded the Mandate Secretary for taking the initiative to establish the FCT Gender Based Violence Monitoring and Evaluation State Technical Working Group (GBV-STWG) with the aim of collective responsibility in the fight against Elimination of Violence against women and children in the FCT. She pledged her support towards the effective and efficient collaboration of FIDA as a member of the State Technical Working Group in implementing their mandate and activities. Presenting the finalized FCT GBV Terms of Reference for sub-committees, the Monitoring and Evaluation officer of FRED, Ahmeena Danjuma urged stakeholders for a collective participation in STWG activities so as to bridge the gaps in coordinating GBV reporting in the FCT. She concluded by encouraging participants who were yet to identify with a subcommittee to enlist and participate in committee activities as provided for in the Terms of Reference.
In closing, the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat applauded stakeholders for attending the inauguration while stating that the inauguration of the STWG is a laudable milestone in the fight to end violence against women and children. She further urged stakeholders to work together to create a society free from all forms of violence against women and children. She warmly thanked participants and formally inaugurated the FCT State Technical Working Group.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Held a 3-day Training on Gender Responsive Budgeting
Women remain under-represented in public life, which means that government policy, including economic policy may not take their needs and priorities into account. Policies which appear neutral on the surface may have unintended consequences, including increasing gender inequality.
On this premise, FIDA Nigeria on the 18th to 20th of April 2023, held a 3 day Training Session on Gender Responsive Budgeting as an important Advocacy Tool for Tracking Allocation, Releases, and Monitoring Utilization on Budgets towards addressing VAWG/SGBV/HP in Ebonyi State.
The capacity of the participants were measured through Pre and Post Evaluations and further through group work. They all made their commitments to lead coordinated advocacies to relevant MDAs in an effort to make sure that gender line items appear in every budget and also make sure that allocated resources for gender programs are utilized to improve on the expected outcomes.
by FIDAFIDA Re-affirms Mandate at the Suleja Custodial Centre
On the 18th of April 2023, the branch led by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu visited female inmates of the Suleja Custodial Centre, Niger State.
The visit was made to secure the release of a female inmate whose fine was paid by the branch as part of her mandate and activities and also to commemorate the golden jubilee (50th birthday) of Mrs. Sarah Dejo.
The outing was graced with the presence of the Country Vice President (FIDA Nigeria), Mrs. Amina Susana Agbaje and notable members of the branch.
The Chairperson of the Branch, Chibuzo M. Nwosu, said that the visit was a success owing to the show of support of members from the three branches which include FIDA Gwagwalada, Niger State and Abuja chapters.
She however advised governments and NGOs to continue to show support by ensuring that the Correctional Service Centres and inmates were in proper conditions.
The Chairperson, FIDA Correctional Service Centre Committee, Dr. Rosemary Chikwendu, while stating the plan to reach out to sponsors to pay all outstanding fines of the inmates, said the visit was made out of love and to celebrate Mrs. Sarah Dejo’s 50th birthday.
According to the Committee Chair, “Reaching the Court, part of the compensation will be paid, but as inmates, you must be of good behaviour so that we can recommend you like the person that was recommended today”.
She advised the inmates to ensure they learn the various skills being taught in the Correctional Centre as it could be useful to them in life and be of good behavior.
The Chairperson of FIDA Gwagwalada, Prof. Josephine Agbonika SAN, reiterated that good behaviour counts as it helps in the release of the inmates from the Centre.
She however advised the inmates to abide by the rules of the Centre, saying it is not the end of the world.
Responding on behalf of other female inmates, Nene Odinze, appreciated the women lawyers for their donations and appealed for their support by providing educational materials like textbooks and notebooks as some of the inmates will enroll for WAEC and JAMB.
At the end of the visit, items such as Provisions, Sanitary Towels, Bags of Rice, Toilet Rolls, Detergents, Izals and Toothpaste, were donated by the branch.
by FIDAFIDA Uyo Partners with USAID trains CSOs to leverage on digital platforms to drive their advocacy
On the 15th of March FIDA Nigeria Uyo Branch, in collaboration with the USAID-funded State Transparency, Accountability and Effectiveness activity trained women-led groups, media groups, and civil society organizations on combatting Gender-Based Violence in digital spaces.
A total of 26 participants were in attendance. The modules focused on identifying the forms of GBV proliferated in digital spaces and the role of community trainers in helping local communities address these issues. The training also highlighted the gender digital divide citing GBV as a key factor.
The training built the capacity of civil society organisations to leverage digital platforms to drive their advocacy in the face of shrinking civic spaces.
Participants’ capacity to address the challenges that trail digital advocacy efforts at addressing Gender Based Violence was further built.
Participants came up with action plans to build the capacity of their local communities through step-down trainings. The step-down training is expected to build the capacity of over 100 local community leaders on these forms of violence.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria secures N30 million damages against Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali for inhumane treatment & infringement of Fundamental Human Rights of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon
FIDA Nigeria in total disgust at the inhumane treatment, and infringement of Fundamental Human Rights of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon by Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali, wife of Senator Ahmadu Ali, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and her Children; FIDA sought to stand in her defence and to enforce the Fundamental Human Rights of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 (As Amended).
Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon, a Personal Assistant to Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali had been physically, verbally and emotionally abused, inhumanely mal treated being locked up in a dog cage for three days without food or water and forced to defecate and urinate on herself in that cage. FIDA totally abhors such which is an absolute infringement of her Basic and Fundamental Human Rights and a breach of the VAPP Act (2015)
FIDA Nigeria therefore on behalf of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon filed a matter in court praying for an Order for the Enforcement of her Fundamental Rights seeking ten reliefs against Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali, Ms. Aisha Ahmadu Ali and Ms. Halima Ahmadu Ali in suit number FCT/HC/CV/1442/2022.
The F.C.T High Court, Kubwa, delivered its Judgment on the 28th March 2023 and the Honourable Justice Akanbi-Yusuf agreed that the Applicant was indeed unlawfully detained and dehumanized. His Lordship proceeded to grant seven out of the ten declaratory reliefs sought and awarded N30,000,000.00 (Thirty Million Naira) damages awarded against Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali, along with the publication of an apology in This day Newspaper.
FIDA Nigeria is pleased with the outcome of this case and conveys its gratitude to the Honourable Court for the quick resolution of this matter as should be the case.
This serves as a great deterrent to others.
FIDA Nigeria in this case was represented by Fidan Ogechi Abu, a well-respected human rights activist who led the Litigation team
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria post-election statement on the governorship & state house of assembly elections as it relates to women participation
1.0 Introduction
The Gubernatorial / States Houses of Assembly Elections held on the 18th of March 2023 has been concluded with the Electoral Umpire (Independent National Electoral Commission) declaring the results of twenty states inclusive of our four focal states namely Plateau, Borno, Kaduna, and Kwara State. We still await the results of the other states toward having a holistic assessment of women representation in elective positions across the Nation.
This election marked the fourth major election conducted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 after the Ekiti and Osun states off-cycle Governorship Elections with attention hinged on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Electoral Management Body) performance in administering the polls.
Observations demonstrated that the election was an improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections as we witnessed the early arrival of electoral materials and officials which culminated in the early commencement of polls, effective transmission of results from the polling units to the INEC Result Viewing portal, improved deployment of security personnel to hotspot areas amongst others. However, despite this improvement, we observed shortcomings relating to vote trading and voter apathy which affected women participation at the polls.
We commend eligible voters and all women that participated actively in the process for their commitment and belief in the electoral system.
We have observed that within our focal states, some women emerged as winners in their respective state constituencies at the polls. In Kwara State, a 26year old female journalist Rukayat Shittu won a legislative seat at Owode/Onire constituency in Asa LGA. Similarly in Plateau State, Mrs. Happiness Akawu emerged winner and now representing Pengana constituency from Bassa LGA. In Kaduna state, Ms. Comfort Amwe won re-election to represent the Sanga constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. We celebrate these women and hope that this serves as an impetus for the more effective representation of women in subsequent elections
FIDA Nigeria through her situation room situated at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, the Nigeria Capital observed the participation of women in the elections alongside other forms of violence perpetrated against women across four focal states of our intervention. Our Observations culminated in the dissemination of our pre-election statements on Friday 17th March and preliminary statements on Saturday 18th of March 2023.
2.0 Methodology /Approach
FIDA Nigeria with support from UNWomen and the Government of Canada under the Advance Women Political Participation Project observed the participation of women alongside forms of violence perpetrated against women in the 2023 General Elections through her 77 INEC accredited observers deployed across 66 polling units in the aforementioned four focal States.
An election observation tool was administered by our accredited observers at their respective polling units while leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in observing, documenting, and reporting women’s participation and incidences of violence perpetrated against women. FIDA Nigeria through her observations provides post-election findings as follows:
2.1 Close of Polls
FIDA Nigeria observers reported that as of 2:30 pm, 47.44% of polling units under our observatory had concluded voting, while the counting of votes had either commenced or ended accordingly. This is an improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections which witnessed only 9.09% of polls concluding at 2.30 pm. 50% of polling units visited were further observed to have had the voting process concluded at 4 pm with only 2.56% of polling units having elections ongoing after 4 pm.
For instance, at polling unit 001, Kafanchan Ward, Jema” an LGA, Kaduna State, voting was concluded at 3.20 pm, Similarly at Polling unit 11, Gwantu, Sanga LGA . Sorting of ballot papers commenced at 3.05 pm after the voting process was concluded. In Kwara State, voting was concluded at 2.30 pm in Polling unit 10, open space, Govt House, Ilorin East LGA. At polling unit 19, ward 10, Ilorin West LGA, elections were concluded at 2.30 pm.
In Borno state, at polling units 10& 44, ward 21, MMC, Borno State, voting was concluded at 2.30 pm. Similarly, at polling unit 10, Naraguta ward, Jos North LGA, Plateau State voting was concluded by 2.30 pm
2.2. Polls Commencement
Reports across the polling units across our focal states observed indicate that election materials arrived at polling units observed between the hours of 8:30 – 9:30 am. 81.4 % of the polling units had the election materials before 8.30 am, 10% by 9.00 am, and 8.6 % later than 9:30 am. This was a massive improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections which recorded only 38% of polling units across our focal states receiving electoral materials at 8.30 am and 19.7% of polling units at about 9.30 am.
Our observations indicate that at polling unit 002, ward 04, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, Electoral Officials arrived as early as 7.40 am with electoral materials. Similarly, at polling unit 012, ward 02, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna state electoral officials arrived at 7.58 am. In Plateau state, INEC Officials arrived polling unit 001, taagbe ward, Bassa LGA at 7.25 am, At polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state, electoral materials arrived at 8.04 am, while at polling unit 008, ward 01, Damboa LGA, INEC officials were sighted at 8.30 am.
We witnessed the early arrivals of electoral officials in Kwara State. For example, in polling unit 006, ward 02, Kaima LGA, and polling unit 007, ward 07, Ilorin West LGA, these officials were seen at 7.40 am and 7.57 am respectively
2.3. Secrecy of the Ballot:
FIDA Nigeria observed that in about 96.2% of polling units, women exercised their franchise freely, while 59% of female voters exercised their franchise in secrecy without interference from party agents. Our observers reported that the ballot process was transparent and fair in about 94.9% of the polling units, while 97.1% of female voters found their names on the voters register.
2.4.Reported Incidences of Violence Perpetrated Against Women:
FIDA Nigeria observed little incidence of patriarchal, physical, and other forms of violence perpetrated against women in 7.1% of polling units within our observation in focal states and across the country. This violence was perpetrated against 11.1 % of women politicians and party agents, while 2.9% of women were observed instigating or promoting violence in the polling units under our observatory.
For instance, at the Kaduna State collation center for Sanga House of Assembly Constituency, INEC Officials were observed being intimidated and threatened to declare a woman as the winner of that constituency.
2.5.Turnout of Female Voters.
FIDA Nigeria observed a turnout of female voters in about 57.2% of the polling units observed. This is comparatively low compared to the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where we experienced a turnout of women amounting to 66.2%. For instance, at polling unit 004, ward 05, Jos South, Plateau State, very few women were observed exercising their franchise. Similar incidences occurred at polling unit 027, tudun-wada, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, and polling unit 006, ward 02, Kaiama LGA, Kwara State.
2.6. Vote Trading:
FIDA Nigeria observed a few disturbing incidents of vote trading across 8.6% of the polling units. However, 91.4% witnessed no incidences of vote trading in the polling units. At polling unit 027, tudun wada, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, women were observed been induced by party agents towards swaying their votes for a particular party with the sum of N1,000.
15.7% of female party agents and politicians were found to perpetuate vote buying. At polling unit 21, ward 18, Sabon-gari LGA, Kaduna state, women were observed obtaining food items towards swaying their votes to a leading party. At polling unit 004, ward 7, Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State, female voters were persuaded to vote for another party with the promise of a bank transfer after voting. At polling unit 11, Hayin Mahuta Ward, GIwa LGA, Kaduna state, a leading political party was observed disbursing funds to women.
At polling unit 009, community secondary school, Irepodun LGA, Kwara state, women were being induced to vote for a particular party with an undisclosed sum of money, food, and drinks. Similarly, at polling unit 001, ward 04, Ekiti LGA, women were observed being swayed with food items.
2.7. Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 14.3% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel. This is comparatively low compared to the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where 26.8% of polling units had more than 4 security personnel.
Females were observed not fully mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that no female security official was seen in 52.9%, 30% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel, while only 17.1% had above 2 female security officials. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 7.1% of the polling units observed, however, in 92.9%, security personnel were not armed.
2.8. Priority Voting for Women from Marginalized/Vulnerable groups
FIDA Nigeria observes that women with disabilities, the elderly/Aged, pregnant women and Nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC Adhoc Officials. Our Observers reported that in about 94.3% of the polling units, priority voting occurred, however in 5.7% of the polling units, these groups were compelled to join existing queues toward exercising their franchise.
For instance, at Polling Unit 003, Airforce Primary school, ward 6, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, and polling unit 05, ward 11, Riyom LGA, Plateau state, priority voting was enforced. Similarly, at polling unit 090, Naraguta, Jos North LGA, only aged women were prioritized. At polling unit 10, ward 21, MMC, Borno State aged women and women with disabilities were prioritized. The same occurrence was witnessed at polling unit 004, ward 07, Ilorin west LGA, Kwara State.
2.9. Existence of Separate Queues for Women
In 84.3% of the polling units visited, we observed that INEC ensured that separate queues were created for women to exercise their franchise. However such was not existent in 15.7% of the polling units visited as INEC made no provisions, and neither were no forms of enforcement by security agencies. In polling unit 001, LGEA Primary school, ward 02, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, separate queues were observed being enforced. Similar occurrences were observed at polling unit 3, ward 2, Kaura LGA, polling unit 21, ward 18, Sabon-Gari LGA, and polling unit 01, ward 7, Zaria LGA all in Kaduna state. Furthermore, separate queues were observed at polling unit 008, ward 2, Isin LGA, Kwara State, and polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state.
3.0. Recommendations/Conclusion
In view of our pre-election, preliminary, and post-election observations/findings during the election, FIDA Nigeria recommends the following to all stakeholders and relevant actors towards deepening the democratic process in Nigeria ahead of subsequent elections.
- Establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission to facilitate in the prosecution of electoral offenders observed to have committed all forms of electoral offenses in contravention of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) which will serve as a deterrent to other intending offenders.
- The Independent National Electoral Commission is advised to institutionalize a multi-stakeholder approach towards encouraging the participation of more female electorates and citizens, in general, to exercise their franchise at subsequent elections.
- The voters register needs to be cleaned up by INEC to enable the country to have an accurate number of truly registered voters.
- Security agencies should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls which will help in mitigating electoral violence, especially those perpetuated against women in elections.
- Elected Leaders should be magnanimous in victory and improve the participation of women at all levels of governance.
- The Media should remain professional, neutral, and non-partisan in the discharge of duties.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President