FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns in its entirety and in the strongest terms possible, all forms of gender-based violence against women, particularly those against female students in secondary and tertiary institutions by staff of the institutions, such as teachers and lecturers.
In this vein, FIDA Nigeria totally condemns the alleged sexual harassment of female students by the embattled Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon as reported recently in various news platforms.
We vehemently denounce these acts as vile and an ugly menace that must be eradicated from our institutions of learning, and our society at large. 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.
It is alarming that sexual harassment of females particularly in tertiary institutions has assumed a perilously critical dimension, constituting a horrifying kind of violence targeted at violating the fundamental human rights of a person.
It is a form of sexual victimization of an individual using unequal power relations. This pandemic is so vile and encompasses acts revolving around explicit or implicit sexual overtures including unwelcome sexual remarks or physical advances, and inappropriate promises of reward in exchange for sexual favours in the workplace, professional or social setting amongst others.
These acts have been criminalized by the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 and indeed, the extant VAPP Law of Cross Rivers State.
Being that the state and all persons of goodwill are under a duty to give effect to these statutory provisions against all forms of violence, including desisting from aiding and/or abetting of same in any manner or to any degree, 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.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, by her professional calling and the expectations of her ministerial office, owes a duty of leading the charge towards protecting women from all acts of abuse, including encouraging and supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence to break the culture of silence and get justice, hence the alleged distasteful manner in which she interrogated the vulnerable and possibly traumatized students is shocking and greatly disappointing.
FIDA Nigeria is keenly observing, and shall not hesitate to proceed against such perpetrators, and all persons or individuals who support such acts of violence either by their utterances or actions/ inaction, or who may try to suppress the reportage of these sort of violence meted out to persons.
We remain steadfast on our mandate to protect, promote, and preserve the rights of vulnerable women and children using the instrumentality of law, strongly supporting and standing behind all survivors of violence of any kind, including those of sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence, and encouraging them to speak up on these crimes as their voices are meant to be heard, and justice delivered for the crimes perpetrated against them.
In conclusion, as the probe panel constituted to further investigate all facets of this case against the embattled Dean Prof C. Ndifon continue in their task, FIDA Nigeria is closely monitoring the proceedings and shall not stand by and watch perpetrators and supporters of these heinous crimes whether highly placed or not, harass, cower, intimidate, badger, suppress and or attempt to wriggle their way out of facing justice and shall follow this matter intently to ensure that justice is gotten at the end of the day, as no one is above the law.
Therefore, we call on the Government, NAPTIP, Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and indeed everyone to stand up against this scourge that has slowly crept into the fabric of our nation and ensure that all forms of violence in whatever form it presents itself is stopped!!
We also call on all Students to Stand Tall and Speak their Truth!
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.) Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria
#FIDAnigeria
#saynotoallformsofviolence
#saynotosexualharrasment
#EndGBVNow
Earlier, the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) leant its voice to the alleged sexual harassment question.
SPIDEL’s statement titled —Allegations of Sexual Harassment at the University of Calabar: NBA-SPIDEL Condemns Undue Interference, Witness Tampering and Demands a Fair Investigation reads:
The Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), a branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is dedicated to promoting the rule of law, economic development, and the growth of public interest law in Nigeria. Our vision is to make public interest and development law an integral part of our national life and development, ensuring access to effective remedies for victims of violations of the law and abuse of power.
It has come to SPIDEL’s attention that students of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, have courageously come forward to voice allegations of misconduct, bordering on financial impropriety, sexual harassment and abuse of office against Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law. Furthermore, these students have alleged that those who challenge Prof. Ndifon’s alleged corrupt practices face threats, including the refusal to provide them with law school forms upon graduation. In response, the University of Calabar administration has initiated a thorough investigation into these allegations by establishing an investigative panel.
SPIDEL is deeply concerned and disturbed by recent developments surrounding the investigation which border on witness and evidence tampering. SPIDEL is particularly troubled about the alleged actions of the newly appointed Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye in relation to the matter. Recent revelations, including leaked audio recordings of the Minister of Women Affairs’ conversations with some of the student victims, have raised serious concerns. In the said audio recordings, the Minister can be heard attempting to influence the testimonies of these students and discourage them from participating in the ongoing investigation. The Minister’s actions amount to witness tampering.
SPIDEL strongly condemns witness tampering in any form, as it undermines the pursuit of justice and the truth. We call on all parties involved to refrain from further engaging in that act and to allow the investigative panel to carry out its work independently and diligently.
SPIDEL vehemently condemns this blatant abuse of power by Minister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye which has culminated in the harassment and exploitation of young law students at the institution. We view this not just as a simple Ministerial failing, but recognize it as an issue of professional misconduct and a reflection of broader societal challenges that must be addressed promptly and effectively.
SPIDEL calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations and insists on accountability, transparency, and appropriate action to address this deeply concerning matter. We stress that the reputation of the legal community, the rights of the victims, all other students, and the integrity of the investigative panel are at stake.
The Nigerian Bar Association, to which SPIDEL belongs, holds a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism within the legal community, with zero tolerance for unprofessional behavior, particularly when it pertains to matters as serious as the allegations being brought forth against Madam Minister!
While SPIDEL has no objection to groups and individuals following up on the investigation, we insist that actions that impede the investigative process be avoided. The Minister for Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, is respectfully advised to refrain from further involvement in this matter to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
On the allegations against Professor Cyril Ndifon, SPIDEL, committed to promoting the rule of law, economic development, and the growth of public interest law in Nigeria, acknowledges that these allegations not only compromise the integrity of legal education but also infringe upon the rights and well-being of the affected individuals. SPIDEL states that it is disheartening that allegations of this nature have persisted against Prof. Ndifon for years. Therefore, we urge the University of Calabar, the Nigerian Police, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into these allegations of misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of office so that the matter will be settled once and for all. All relevant authorities must take swift and decisive action to ensure that justice is served and that those found guilty of any wrongdoing face appropriate consequences. Young Nigerian students, particularly females, must be protected.
SPIDEL empathizes with the students who have shown immense bravery in coming forward to share their experiences and calls for their protection and support throughout this process. We also urge the University of Calabar to stay focused on conducting a fair and transparent investigation, ensuring that all parties involved have the opportunity to be heard.
SPIDEL reiterates her commitment to the principles of justice, transparency, and the protection of the rights of all involved parties and will closely monitor developments and provide support as necessary to ensure that a fair and just resolution is achieved in this matter.
About SPIDEL:
The Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) is a specialized branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) dedicated to promoting public interest law, development, and access to justice in Nigeria. SPIDEL is committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and advancing social justice in the country.
Dated this 13th day of September, 2023.
John Aikpokpo-Martins
Chairman.
Funmi Adeogun
Secretary.
