The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has advised traditional institutions in the state against engaging  in any act that may oppress victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The Sultan gave the advice on Tuesday at a seminar organised by an NGO, Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.

The Sultan who was represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali-Junaidu, said the Sultanate remained proactive and committed to tackling any form of abuses in the society.

He stated that the Sultanate organised periodic assessment meetings with council members and GBV issues were considered while  cases were referred to relevant authorities for cognitive actions.

The Sultan said that any traditional ruler found wanting in concealing or attempting to influence cases against the interest of victims of GBV could lose his position.

” Sultanate Council is ready to dethrone any traditional ruler that  actively participated in hiding or settling GBV cases for any reasons in the Emirate.

” We are committed and ready to partner institutions, organizations and individuals on tacking all forms of abuses in the community towards safeguarding the society.

” The Sultan Foundation was founded to cater for vulnerable persons in recognition of rampant cases of GBV which becomes common in our present societies,” Mr. Abubakar added.

Maidawa Kajiji, the Chairman House Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights in the Sokoto State House of Assembly said that the legislature would hasten promulgation of any law that would improve welfare and protect citizens’ rights.

Mr. Kajiji who described the event as timely and relevant said that the lawmakers were ready to encourage actions against all forms of abuses and sanitize the society at all levels.

The representative of coalition of civil society organizations, Muhammad Mainasara, from the Society Reference Group, emphasized the importance role of traditional and religious leaders in preventing GBV which had been yielding positive impacts.

Earlier, the Director of  Programmes, Sultan Foundation, Dr Aminu Inuwa, said the event was organized to identify and discuss the high prevalence of violence against women and the girls.

Mr. Inuwa said the event was part of an EU-UN Spotlight Initiative Project on addressing Gender Based Violence and Promotion and Response to Gender Equitable Norms in Nigeria.

Participants at the event were drawn from the academia, religious and traditional institutions, community based organizations and women and youths groups.