Ahead of the July 16, gubernatorial election in the state of Osun, stakeholders have emphasized the need for women to participate in politics without facing any form of violence.
They gave the need while speaking at a town hall meeting organized by Justice, Development and Peace Maker Center (JDPMC), in Osogbo, on “The use of criminal Justice to stop violence against women during the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Osun state”.
The discussants at the program which was aired live includes: Stat of Osun, Police Public Relations Officer, Sp Opalola Yemisi, ASC Atanda Olabisi, Civil Defense Public Relations Officer, Lola Wey, and Barrister Oluwadamilola
They all spoke on ways to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for women in politic in the coming gubernatorial election.
Speaking about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, Lola Wey, said that the implementation of the law is to protect women in politics to be free from any form of violence against them.
In her word “the law is implemented to protect women in politics because Nigeria is very difficult for women to live in, the implementation of the law is to protect the women to be free without any form of violence against them”.
Showing displeasure in the bias towards women, she said it started during the colonization of Nigeria, maintaining that was the beginning of depriving women of their rights.
She mentioned women like Fumilayo Ransom Kuti, Queen Amina Sharia, Madam Tinubu, as some of the few who fought for their right.
SP Yemisi Opalola in her own contribution reiterated that the security agencies cannot do it alone without the support of the citizens, urging them to support in the implementation of the law.
She stressed further that “Religious leaders should intensified their effort in preaching to their members about the bad of violence and reasons why they should stop evil to humanity and to God”.
“People should have a change of value, preaching is a cardinal part to have a change of value, and impart positively in the society”.
The NSCDC PRO Atanda Olabisi, in her own word attributed the none implementation of the VAPP law to the ignorance of most citizens, particularly, women about the law.
“An Average Nigerian believe they don’t have rights that is why it is difficult to make use of VAPP law, there is a need to change our orientation.Religion leaders should preach about gender freedom to let their subjects”.
Also, Barr. Oluwadamilola Olabiyi, in her word, said key actors are not aware of the application of the law.
