FIDA trains female lawyers to join local and international observers
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 24 female lawyers have been trained by the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) to monitor and report violence before, during, and after the vote in the 23 councils in Kaduna, the hotbed of Northern politics.
Additional groups of lawyers were also trained for the same purpose in Kwara, Borno, and Plateau.
They will join other local and international observers.
FIDA Country Vice President/National President Amina Agbaje said accredited lawyers were trained as observers for the presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections on 25 February and the Governorship and state Assembly elections on 11 Mary.
“They are expected to observe, document and report incidences of electoral violence perpetrated against women before and during the 2023 general elections,” she explained.
Agbaje, represented by state FIDA Chairperson Aisha Muhammad, disclosed the training was done across the four focal states of Kwara, Borno, Plateau, and Kaduna.
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Eradication of political violence
In Agbaje’s view, eradication of political violence is key to advancing women’s political participation, as women and girls are always victims of outbreaks of violence, according to reporting by Tribune.
A paper on “Purpose of Observation, Reporting and Documentation of election violence against women” was presented by FIDA Programme and Administration Officer Abu Ayuba, who urged the trainees to adhere to the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“They should also be aware of electoral law, reporting every single thing you see and you are not expected to be biased,” Ayuba stressed.
FIDA Kaduna Secretary Funke Bankole disclosed the participants were accredited by the INEC to identify, observe, document, and report incidences of violence perpetrated against women during the election.
She said 24 female lawyers took part in the training and they are expected to cover the 23 council areas of the state.
“We believe in the exercise. We intend to see more women participation,” Bankole said.