GBV: Niger NUJ, GPCI want establishment of special court to prosecute offenders

Following its resolve to ensure justice is served, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council has thrown its weight behind agitations for the establishment of special courts to prosecute offenders of Gender Base Violence (GBV).

The State Chairman of NUJ Comrade Abu Nmodu, gave the assurance when officials of a Non-Governmental Organization, Global Promoters for Community Initiative (GPCI), paid him a courtesy visit at IBB Pen House Minna.

Comrade Nmodu, said when operational, the Special Courts would assist to decongest conventional courts and also allow for speedy dispensation of justice for GBV victims.

He attributed gender based violence to socio-economic and psychological factors which led to maladjustments in the society.

The State Chairman of NUJ described GBV as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society which called for concerted efforts to eradicate.

He commended the promoters of the initiative, adding that, it would assist in reshaping the society and change the mind-set of the people towards positive thinking.

Comrade Nmodu assured the NGO of the NUJ’s support saying that the visit would strengthen the collaboration between the two.

He explained that, journalists would be encouraged to prioritize reportage of GBV cases as part of their contributions to eliminate the scourge.

Earlier, Head Monitoring and Evaluation of the initiative Hajara Achibi, said the visit was to seek the support of journalists in the collective efforts to eradicate GBV cases through advocacy and enlightenment.

She said the organization has trained some women in Bosso and Chanchaga local government areas to assist in spreading its activities at the grassroot level.

Achibi revealed that the NGO was agitating for the creation of special courts to fast track prosecution of offenders and called on journalists to assist in publicizing their activities.