The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has issued a resounding condemnation of all forms of gender-based violence against women, with a particular focus on instances targeting female students in secondary and tertiary schools by personnel within these institutions, including teachers and lecturers.
In a recent statement, FIDA Nigeria explicitly voiced its condemnation of the alleged sexual harassment of female students by Professor Cyril Osim Ndifon, the embattled Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, as reported in various news sources. The organization emphasized the urgency of eradicating this “vile and ugly menace” from both educational institutions and society as a whole.
FIDA Nigeria stressed that students attend school to acquire knowledge and should receive guidance and protection during their educational journey, rather than facing intimidation or exploitation based on their vulnerability or gender. In the words of the organization, “Students are in school to be educated and must be guided and protected while learning, not to be intimidated and taken advantage of because of their vulnerability and/or gender.”
The organization expressed deep concern regarding allegations of sexual assault involving Professor Cyril Ndifon at the University of Calabar and criticized the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, for her actions in regard to the alleged victims. FIDA Nigeria remarked that it is deeply alarming to witness the critical escalation of sexual harassment, particularly within tertiary institutions, which represents a horrifying violation of fundamental human rights. Such actions are described as a form of sexual victimization that exploits unequal power dynamics and encompass explicit or implicit sexual advances, unwelcome remarks, and inappropriate promises of reward in exchange for sexual favors, occurring within workplaces, professional settings, and social environments, among other contexts.
The organization pointed out that these acts have already been outlawed by the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 and, indeed, by the VAPP Law of Cross Rivers State. Therefore, FIDA Nigeria strongly condemned any intimidation directed at students who have bravely come forward regarding the Ndifon case, which is currently under investigation. The organization asserted, “FIDA Nigeria therefore unequivocally condemns the alleged intimidation of some of the students who bravely spoke up on the alleged Ndifon’s case, currently under investigation.”
Furthermore, FIDA Nigeria criticized the Minister of Women Affairs for her professional responsibilities and expectations associated with her ministerial office, stating that she has a duty to lead efforts to safeguard women from all forms of abuse, while also offering encouragement and support to victims of sexual and gender-based violence to break the culture of silence and seek justice. FIDA Nigeria found the manner in which the Minister interrogated the potentially traumatized students to be shocking and deeply disappointing.
In conclusion, FIDA Nigeria reiterated its steadfast commitment to protect, promote, and preserve the rights of vulnerable women and children through the application of legal means. The organization extended strong support to all survivors of violence, encompassing not only sexual harassment but all manifestations of gender-based violence, encouraging them to voice their experiences and seek justice. FIDA Nigeria assured the public that it closely monitors the ongoing proceedings of the probe panel tasked with investigating the various aspects of the case against the embattled Dean, Prof. C. Ndifon. The organization vowed not to stand idle while perpetrators and supporters of such heinous crimes, regardless of their social standing, attempt to evade justice. FIDA Nigeria pledged to follow this matter closely to ensure that justice prevails, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
|SaharaReporters
