Governor Udom Emmanuel has inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee. The Committee is headed by Her Excellency, Dr Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, and has Barr. Emem Ette of the Ministry of Justice as Secretary.

 

Performing the inauguration at the EXCO Chambers of Government House, Uyo, on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, the Governor said the setting up of the Committee is a follow up to the State Gender Policy, which prohibits all forms of violence against persons in the state. He added that the objective of the Committee is to make recommendations and proffer a synchronised approach towards ending all forms of gender-based violence in the state.

 

Governor Emmanuel added that to restore sanity in the state, the Committee must work towards eliminating gender-based violence. He warned that henceforth anyone found culpable in abusing or raping any gender (male and female) would be dealt with the full wrath of the law.

 

While fielding questions from Government House reporters, Her Excellency Dr Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, speaking on behalf of the Committee, expressed delight at the inauguration of the Committee, saying this would further help in the fight against the scourge. “We are going out en-masse to fight this crime to an end. This is another milestone in this course, and with the enabling law, we will achieve much success collectively,” First Lady Martha responded.

 

Other members of the 14-member Committee are Dr Ini Adiakpan (Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare), Mrs Eno Jerome ( Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare), Barr ( Mrs) Mfon Edemekong (Ministry of Justice ), and Mrs Idongesit Udo ( Ministry Health). Also making the Committee are Mrs Emem George ( Office of the Accountant General), Mrs Kokomma Sabbath ( Ministry of Education ), Mrs Blessing Udofa ( Multilateral and Donor Agencies), Suppl Nseobong Umoh ( Police Gender Desk Officer), Dr Nsekpong Udoh ( CSO ), Mrs Ime Ephraim Inyang ( CSO), Obonganwan Patricia Essienobot ( CSO ) and Mr James Edet ( Ministry of Information).