SAVE Coalition Seeks Improved Funding for Implementation of VAPP Law in Akwa Ibom
By Ekemini Simon
Safeguarding Against Violence and Exploitation of women and Girls (SAVE), a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Government Parastatals, working towards mitigation of sexual and gender-based violence and implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) law in Akwa Ibom state have called on the government of Akwa Ibom State to improve funding for the right implementation of the VAPP law.
The coalition, which is anchored by Youth Alive Foundation (YAF), a youth focused NGO, observed that the budget by the state government is inadequate to protect gender-based victims especially as the movement of people from dangerous environments to safe places by the police or service providers requires funding.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of a policy dialogue forum on addressing the barriers to implementation of the VAPP law held in Uyo on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
The coalition observed that although there is budgetary provision for Institutionalization of violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) in 2021 and 2022 to the tune of N10m in both fiscal years, the provision is vague. The coalition recommends that provisions should be clear what Institutionalization means.
SAVE said since the VAPP law provides that a register for convicted sexual offenders should be maintained and accessible to the public, the State should budget for an online portal, improve budgetary provision for VAPP law and also release adequate funds for the success of this law.
The Coalition asked that to build trust between the police and the public, there is need to look at public awareness on success stories of police arrest and cases where the police followed through on the arrest of perpetrators and not just the negative reports.
SAVE called for more sensitization on the law adding that a special court should be established to address GBV issues.
The coalition advised that traditional rulers can impose traditional sanctions on the abusers on minor cases (excluding grievous cases such as rape, spousal battery and such) so as not to overburden the court with cases.
Part of the communique reads “The SGBV committee is always ready to empower these victims, the committee has empowered over 250 victims of GBV.
“The SGBV committee requires a lot of follow up from CSOs who facilitate reporting of victim’s cases because there are many petitions almost on a daily basis which the committee attends to.
” The Nigerian Police stated that awareness of police officers, not just the public is necessary. The police officers are the custodians of civil order but 80% of Police officers do not know about the VAPP Law.”
The coalition recommended that CSOs should continue to sit with the Government and with the Police to harmonize, work together to confront issues like the negative influences by the wealthy and powerful on securing justice for victims.
While calling on people to begin to test the VAPP law outside rape cases, the coalition emphasized on the need for men to be carried along on campaigns and activities around GBV, so that they can have confidence that their issues will be treated fairly.
Meanwhile, the event had in attendance key stakeholders including, the Chairperson of FIDA, Akwa Ibom State Branch: Barr. Iquo Abia, secretary SGBV committee; Barr Emem Ette, Commissioner of Police represented by; SP Achabot Kings, Village Head of Attan Offot; Eteidung Idongesit Alfred Ekong, Executive Director Community for partners Development; Dr. Nsekpong Udoh.
Others in attendance were representatives from Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Federation of Muslim Women Association (FOMWAN), traditional rulers, Persons Living with Disabilities and the Media.