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African Child Policy Forum Urges Withdrawal of Bill Decriminalizing Female Genital Mutilation in Gambia

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 11 April 2024 – A prominent child rights policy, advocacy, and research center in Africa is urging the Gambian government to repeal a contentious law that legalizes female genital mutilation (FGM).

 

The Bill – which Gambian lawmakers voted to approve for its next parliamentary stage and which will now be reviewed by a committee before the final vote – would lift a ban on FGM which has been in place since 2015. It would also run counter to the country’s 2022 National Policy for the Elimination of FGM.

 

“If the law is repealed, Gambia will become the first country in the world to reverse a ban on FGM,” said Dr Joan Nyanyuki, Executive Director of the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF). “Gambia has come a long way in realising children’s rights, and efforts made so far to ensure gender equality have been yielding fruits. Decriminalising FGM will reverse the progress made so far, increase girls’ vulnerability, diminish their agency and put their lives, health and development at risk.”

 

The 2015 law sets out jail terms of up to three years or a fine of 50,000 dalasis (US$700) for those who carry out FGM, with the possibility of life imprisonment if the victim dies. Just last year, three Gambian women were convicted of performing FGM on eight girls.

 

The Gambia has signed up to several child rights instruments including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

 

“Taking any regressive measures goes against both the spirit and letter of these instruments,” added Dr Nyanyuki. “We call on the government of the Republic of Gambia to uphold its obligation to protect girls from harmful social and cultural practices, including FGM, by withdrawing this Bill.”

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Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

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PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

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Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

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