A foremost lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Afe Babalola, SAN, on Sunday, warned that the rampant kidnappings, banditries and other terrorism going in the country are in violation of the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
Babalola, therefore, called on the federal government to take drastic actions to stem the tide of insecurity rampaging the country.
The ABUAD founder made this call while speaking in at the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Advocacy Campaign event by ABUAD in partnership with UN Women in Ado-Ekiti.
The theme of the event was “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
While condemning the recent attacks in different parts of the country, Babalola lamented the prolonged fear that the menace has instilled in the hearts of Nigerians.
He noted that insecurity has stolen the courage of Nigerians to go about their daily activities.
The legal icon pointed out that prioritizing the welfare of citizens remains a major tool for ending the catastrophe facing the country. He urged Governments at all levels to take the necessary steps to ensure the protection of the governed.
Babalola harped on the principles of ABUAD, saying no woman and man has been violated and abused in the University since its inception.
While calling on the general public to end violence against women and girls, the SAN, advocated fair treatment for men and boys. He stated that violence is not restricted only to the female gender.
Supporting his views, he said, “Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, says the duty of the government is the welfare and safety of the citizens.
“I appeal to the Government to go on about the safety of people on the farm, road, so that we can have a safe society.
“Many people are now being killed. Everybody is afraid of going to work, farms. It’s not only violence against women and girls, but violence against me and me now.
“While I agree with you about ending violence against women and girls, the Government should do more about the safety of Nigerians”.
In her remark, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Smaranda Olarinde, a professor, said ABUAD will continue to work proactively with the government, private sectors, development partners and multinational organizations to address issues affecting women and girls.
In a keynote address delivered by Tosin Tume, she noted that the impact of digital violence on women and girls is multifaceted and unsettling. This is even as it results in severe consequences such as emotional trauma, distress, social isolation & exclusion, poor mental health, physical harm, and death, among others.
Going forward, Tume highlighted education & awareness, policy development, support & resources, advocacy & activism, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication engagement as pathways to curbing digital violence against women and girls in the academic environment.