The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame, Pauline K Tallen on Friday, said that psychiatric test are to be made compulsory as part of marriage requirements in the country.
Tallen disclosed this at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs complex Abuja, while briefing the media on the increasing scourge of Gender-Based Violence, GBV, as witnessed in the last few weeks.
According to her, “As a first step to ensuring that we bring an end to this issue, I will initiate a conversation with the Honourable Minister of Interior to ensure that psychiatric test are made compulsory as part of marriage requirements in the country.”
She said that the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, has charged his officers during her recent visit to him , over the late Osinachi case was a clear signal that it is no longer business as usual.
According to the Minister, the society must move with the realities of the time, stressing that Goverment can no longer tolerate wickedness, greed, envy and malicious acts under the guise of culture.
She stated that the issue is now a great concern to the Goverment that needs urgent action.
According to the Minister, no state in Nigeria is free from the domestic violence saying it is now a nationaI issue.
Tallen said further that President Muhammadu Buhari, is committed to seeing an end to GBV, in the 36 States.
She added that the Governors are also in support with Ministry of Women Affairs ready to decisively deal with the situation.
She explained that families make up the society and that everyone comes from a family. Tallen further stated that mothers are the bedrock of the family and custodians of family traditions.
She appealed to all the leaders in the society to be more sensitive with the way they execute their activities or utilize the powers bestowed on them.
According to her, the mindset and formation of the young ones requires support of the entire society. She added that from the teachers to doctors, health care providers to fathers and mothers, older siblings and relatives, should own the fight against domestic violence in the society.
“Iam deeply concerned, families are crying and loosing loved ones to one form of brutality or another, the Media headlines are heart-breaking, society is devastated. Oh God heal our land, help our children to appreciate humanity and make the society whole again.
“The alarming increase in Gender-Based Violence as witnessed in the last few weeks truly calls for concern and urgent action.
“As we are dealing with the case of Osinachi Nwachukwu as one-more-case- too-many of GBV, we were again greeted this time with so many others.
“We must play our part in moulding our male children to become better adults who can take on marital responsibilities without feeling insecure. We must put an end to the culture of reinforcing male dominance in the society.” She said.
The Minister narrated a case in Jos, Plateau State, where a Husband, one Samuel Mathew allegedly murdered his 23 year old wife, Mercy Samuel adding that the alleged case of a young girl from Chrisland school who was raped, are begging questions and described the whole ugly cases as one too many.
“From the North and South, East and West several cases are reported daily and there is the need for us to remind the masses that due process is in place to address each and every one of these cases. We can no longer be silent and watch our society degenerate to a level where GBV is practiced with impunity.
“Perpetrators need to be told that Nigeria is a society with Zero Tolerance against GBV. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, is committed to seeing an end to GBV, the 36 State Governors are with us on this. The 9th National Assembly is equally committed to this cause.
She commended the Yobe State Government for joining the States that have signed the Child Right Act and Violence Against Persons Prohibited ACT.
She disclosed that it brings the total number of states that have passed the CRA to 27 and the VAPP Act to 34, adding that its a good sign that the country is unanimously committed to fighting the scourge.
“I am happy to note that Yobe State has joined the League of States that have assented to the Child Rights Act and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act. This brings the total number of states thave passed the CRA to 27 and the VAPP Act to 34. This is a good sign that we are unanimously committed to this.
“I want to appeal to the Media to continue to spotlight and carry these messages to the wider society. Even as we speak, another women is being violated, a widow has been dispossessed of all her life investments, orphans have been thrown out without hope for a better tomorrow.
“I am reaching out to Governors and Commissioners of Women Affairs of all the affected States to give the much-needed attention to these cases.
” Our Traditional and Religious Institutions must help us in this mission. The women groups in the society have a big role to play in all of this. We must remain focused and resolute to ensure that perpetrators will face the full weight of the laws that govern our dear country.
“The words of the Women’s Anthem aptly capture the mood we are in at the moment that women can’t be silent when all around the world people hurt and hungry children cry, we will sing out now for justice and Development and hold the rights of all the people high.” She stated.
