Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has approved the establishment of a mobile court to handle cases involving rape across the state.
State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, disclosed this while delivering a speech during a parley between the state Governor and APC women drawn across the state.
Worried by the increasing rate of rape in the society, Hajiya Jabiru, said it has become necessary to establish such mobile courts specifically to handle rape cases, with a view to bringing perpetrators to book.
She used the opportunity of the meeting to show appreciation to Engineer Sule for giving the nod for the setting up of a mobile court to try rape suspects, with the state Justice Ministry working to produce a draft bill to be presented before the state House of Assembly.
The Commissioner condemned the spade of rape incidences, as well as the violation of women and girl’s rights, calling on the judiciary to ensure perpetrators of such heinous crimes, face quick and stringent penalties to serve as deterrent to others.
Hajiya Jabiru also called for the establishment of a scheme to address the issue of girl child education in the state.
According to the Commissioner, women being keen followers of developments in the state, are impressed with the lesdership style of the Governor,, demonstrated by humility, strict adherence to due process and inclusiveness, which is giving every citizen a sense of belonging.
While commending the Governor for carrying women along in his administration, in terms of appointments and economic empowerment, Hajiya Jabiru expressed hope that with added support to women through the Ministry of Women Affairs, there will be improvement through multiplier effects on families and the entire society.
The women used the opportunity of the meeting to congratulate the Governor on the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Hajiya Jabiru described women as the best rallying point for peace building, sustenance and total enhancement of development, where they have always proven in leadership position to be prudent and truthful.
She added that women in the state have decided to make the Governor their shield, who will ensure more women are appointed into political office.
Also speaking, Mrs Aisha Isa Idoma, chairperson of the National.Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in the state, commended the Governor for undertaking to complete projects initiated by his predecessors.
Idoma, who described Engineer Sule as a man of his words, further commended him to carrying women along in his administration, especially with the appointment of Hajiya Jabiru as Commissioner for Women Affairs.
She however lamented that the NCWS in the state, the umbrella body for all women organizations, is handicapped because it has no office from where to operate.
On her part, APC Woman Leader in the state, Mrs Elsie Monday, also thanked the Governor for carrying women in all political activities, from the state, local government and ward levels.
According to Mrs. Monday, with the development strides being recorded by the present administration, APC has come to stay in Nasarawa State.
Responding, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for taking appropriate measures to ensure peace reigns in the North Central and the country at large.
While asserting that issues pertaining to women and youth remain topmost agenda of his administration, the Governor urged them to take advantage of the windows of opportunities coming into the state as investors come in to set up businesses.
Just like he advised youths in the State, Engineer Sule called on women in the state to organize an annual women summit, with a view to showcasing their talents.
He called on them also to profer suggestions on how to move the state forward.
Reacting to the request by the NCWS for an office accommodation, Engineer Sule directed the council to identify a suitable office and he will personally offset the rent.
The parley, saw past and present political office holders, women cultural groups, party faithful, as well as the Governor’s campaign coordinators from across the 13 local government areas, who came together to identify with the Governor and to demonstrate their loyalty.