IOL The recent acquittal of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has once again exposed the justice system's failures.
Image: Raahil Sain/Independent Media
The GOOD Party welcomes the announcement of the government’s 90-day blitz to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), following a special sitting of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Ministers and senior officials.
The launch of this coordinated, government-wide campaign is a long-overdue step in the right direction. We are encouraged by the decision to urgently revitalise and reconstitute the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF, a move that signals intent to restore momentum in tackling the crisis.
We particularly support the announcement that a team of senior officials has been tasked with aligning policing, prosecutorial, and correctional services to address the deep inefficiencies within the criminal justice value chain.
This alignment is critical if we are to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done for victims of GBVF.
The recent acquittal of Timothy Omotoso has once again exposed the justice system's failures. The judge’s scathing remarks, calling it “inconceivable” that a senior prosecutor did not understand the legal definition of rape, underscore the urgent need for reform.
While National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi has confirmed an investigation into the handling of the case, this offers little comfort to the survivors who courageously came forward and endured a drawn-out trial.
As the GOOD Party, we believe it is our social and moral responsibility to support and work alongside the government to confront and end the GBVF crisis devastating our country. We have already taken steps in this regard through an extensive paid-for community radio and social media campaign aimed at empowering communities and survivors to work with police and other stakeholders in the fight against GBV.
We remain committed to being an active and constructive force in building a society where all people, especially women and children, are safe, heard, and protected.
The clock is ticking on the 90-day blitz. We hope it delivers not just urgency, but real, lasting change in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.
Brett Herron I GOOD Secretary-General
