Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Madam You Again After One Blunder and Apology: Urgent Call for Accountability on Troubling Counsel Regarding Gender-Based Violence -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

The Minister for Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, finds herself once more at the center of public discourse, scarcely a year removed from the maelstrom of controversy that engulfed her following the unsettling events at the University of Calabar. It was just last September when the unsettling reverberations of a leaked audio message pierced through the fabric of societal norms, capturing her voice in a moment fraught with implications. In that recording, a chilling threat was delivered, as Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye warned a female student of dire consequences should she persist in her accusations against Professor Cyril Ndifon, the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Law. This ominous warning, captured in the annals of public scrutiny, laid bare a shocking disregard for the sanctity of justice and the protection of those vulnerable to the insidious clutches of harassment and abuse.

The aftermath of this revelation saw Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye extend an apology, draped in the cloak of regret for the offense sparked by her rhetoric. Yet, the pall of doubt continued to loom large, casting a shadow over her tenure, now thrust once more under the unforgiving spotlight.

And now, with a measured demeanor, Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye takes to the stage once again, her voice laden with the weight of counsel. In the prestigious halls of a conference in Abuja, her address resonates with the solemnity of caution as she implores women to quell the tempests of disagreement within their homes. However, recent events have underscored the grave consequences of such advice. The alleged assault by Barrister Patrick Okoh on his girlfriend, Miss Blessing Okpara, serves as a chilling example of the dangers women face when told to endure mistreatment quietly.

However, despite the seemingly benign intention behind her words, published by the Daily Trust on February 28, 2024, they tread a perilous path. For within the narrative she weaves, the burden of maintaining peace is shifted onto the shoulders of the marginalized. Their silence is heralded as the supposed harbinger of safety, perpetuating the deeply ingrained stereotypes that serve to bind rather than liberate. To advocate for women to avert domestic discord through subservience is to perpetuate an egregious falsehood, one that sidesteps the systemic roots of violence and instead chooses the path of least resistance.

In this intricate dance between words and actions, Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye’s counsel, however well-intentioned, falls short of addressing the fundamental truth—that lasting peace is not forged in the silence of the oppressed, but in the dismantling of the very structures that propagate violence and inequality. Until such a reckoning is embraced, the echoes of controversy will persist, casting a long and ominous shadow over the aspirations of justice and equality.

Advising women to remain silent in the face of abuse is akin to condemning them to a life of torment in the shadows. It perpetuates a culture of silence, where the screams of the abused are stifled by the weight of fear and shame. For many victims, the choice to speak out is not just an act of bravery; it’s a desperate plea for salvation from the suffocating grip of their tormentors.

Behind closed doors, the horrors of domestic violence unfold with chilling regularity. It’s the echo of fists meeting flesh, the shattered fragments of shattered dreams, and the silent tears that stain the fabric of countless lives. Each moment of silence becomes a prison cell, bars forged from the toxic blend of manipulation, coercion, and fear. Victims, shackled by the chains of their suffering, find themselves trapped in a never-ending nightmare, where hope is but a distant memory.

Encouraging victims to break their silence is not just about giving them a voice; it’s about offering them a lifeline in their darkest hour. It’s about extending a hand to those who have been cast adrift in a sea of despair, guiding them towards the shores of safety and redemption. Yet, for many, the journey towards liberation is fraught with peril. The road to justice is littered with obstacles—skepticism, disbelief, and victim-blaming—that threaten to derail their quest for freedom.

It’s imperative to recognize that domestic violence thrives in the shadows, nourished by the silence of its victims. Each whispered plea for help, each stifled cry for mercy, only serves to embolden the abuser and perpetuate the cycle of violence. By urging victims to break their silence, we not only offer them a chance at escape but also strike a blow against the very heart of darkness that sustains their suffering.
Furthermore, focusing solely on women’s behavior ignores the systemic factors that contribute to domestic violence. It’s not enough to place the burden of prevention on the shoulders of the abused; we must also address the root causes of this insidious plague. Gender-based violence is not a random act of cruelty; it’s a symptom of a society that normalizes and excuses the subjugation of women. It’s a reflection of deeply entrenched inequalities, systemic failures, and societal attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

Domestic violence is not just a crime against the individual; it’s an indictment of our collective failure to protect the most vulnerable among us. It’s a painful reminder of the countless lives shattered by the insatiable hunger of power and control. To truly combat domestic violence, we must confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at its core. We must dismantle the structures of oppression, challenge the toxic narratives that justify abuse, and create a world where every voice is heard, and every life is valued. Only then can we hope to heal the wounds of the past and forge a future free from the scourge of domestic violence.

Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, your advocacy for silence and passivity in the face of domestic conflict is not just concerning; it’s deeply troubling. It reflects a profound disregard for the broader context of violence against women, a reality acknowledged by the United Nations. Violence against women manifests in various forms, ranging from physical and sexual abuse to psychological torment and coercion. By implying that women should remain silent during arguments, you dismiss their fundamental rights to safety and autonomy within their own homes. This stance not only perpetuates the cycle of abuse but also places an unjust burden on victims to endure their suffering in silence.

The gravity of violence against women and girls cannot be overstated. Shocking statistics reveal that approximately 736 million women, nearly one in three globally, have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from intimate partners or non-partners at least once in their lives. In Nigeria, where accurate statistics are scarce and where both the justice system and traditional norms often fail to provide adequate protection, your counsel exacerbates an already dire situation. Your words, spoken from a position of authority, undermine efforts to combat gender-based violence and contribute to a culture of impunity for abusers.

Your advice, exemplified by statements such as “Keep your mouth shut” and “When the man is shouting and saying all sorts of things, act like a fool and keep your mouth shut,” is not just deeply flawed; it’s dangerous. It suggests that women should accept abuse across various contexts, whether it’s verbal mistreatment during outings, at work, or even during intimate moments. This guidance perpetuates a cycle of victim-blaming and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. It sends a chilling message that women should tolerate mistreatment rather than assert their rights to safety and dignity.

Minister, as I address your advocacy for women to remain silent, the media’s coverage of a recent incident underscores the grave repercussions of perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and advocating for silence in the face of abuse, Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye. The reported assault by Barrister Patrick Okoh on his girlfriend, Miss Blessing Okpara, serves as a stark example of the dangers women face when told to endure mistreatment quietly.

Perpetrators like Okoh may feel emboldened to act recklessly due to societal attitudes that devalue the worth and rights of women. The pervasive gender biases within our institutions, including the police and the judiciary, often result in leniency towards perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Despite Okoh’s arrest, there is a palpable fear that the case may not receive the attention and justice it warrants, given the systemic issues ingrained within our society. Women like Miss Okpara may hesitate to seek justice, apprehensive of the obstacles they confront in a system that frequently fails to safeguard their rights and dignity.

Minister Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye, this incident starkly illustrates the repercussions of advising women to “shut up.” In today’s Nigeria, as a part of the global democracy, urgent measures are imperative to dismantle the structures of oppression perpetuating gender-based violence. We cannot turn a blind eye to the anguish of women like Miss Okpara, whose lives are shattered by the very systems intended to shield them.

It is imperative to take decisive action to ensure that perpetrators like Barrister Patrick Okoh are held accountable, survivors like Miss Blessing Okpara are provided support, and the voices of women are both heard and respected. Anything less would constitute a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon you to champion the rights and well-being of women in our society.

Your approach to women’s rights resonates with a deeply entrenched patriarchal mindset, reminiscent of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s infamous remarks about his wife belonging to the kitchen, the living room, and the “other room.” Like Buhari’s dismissive attitude towards his wife’s concerns, your advice reflects a stubborn refusal to acknowledge women’s agency and autonomy. In a deeply patriarchal society such as Nigeria, your words serve to reinforce oppressive gender norms and stifle the voices of those most in need of protection.

It’s time for you to confront the consequences of your words and actions. Your advocacy for silence and passivity in the face of abuse is not just harmful; it’s morally reprehensible. As a minister entrusted with the well-being of women, you have a duty to stand up for their rights and advocate for meaningful change. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in you by the women of Nigeria and a disservice to the cause of gender equality.

Your words carry real consequences for the lives of countless women and girls, Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye. Your statement, “The same man that injures you will come back to say I am sorry. What will you do? Will you kill him? Even if we come out to fight for you and you lose one eye, are we going to replace the eye? So prevention is better than cure,” reflects a concerning acceptance of abuse and a failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of women.

While one might understand the sentiment of avoiding confrontation with an abusive partner or superior, your failure to recognize the deep and far-reaching consequences of this counsel is alarming. Domestic violence extends far beyond physical harm; it encompasses a spectrum of abuses, including emotional, psychological, and financial manipulation. By advising women to remain silent and passive in the face of such abuse, you perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming and enable abusers to continue their harmful behavior unchecked.

Furthermore, your words disregard the profound impact of domestic violence on victims and their families, often resulting in long-term trauma, mental health issues, and even death. By prioritizing the preservation of superficial peace over the safety and autonomy of women, you undermine efforts to address the systemic inequalities and power imbalances that perpetuate gender-based violence in our society.

Considering your background as a lawyer and your previous candidacy in presidential elections, one would expect you to understand the complexities of gender-based violence and the importance of advocating for the rights and welfare of women. However, your past and recent statements and actions suggest otherwise. It is imperative that you recognize the gravity of your words and work towards promoting a culture of empowerment and accountability, where women are supported and protected rather than silenced and dismissed. Anything less would be a disservice to the countless women whose lives are impacted by your words and actions.

Your failure to learn from past mistakes and your apparent lack of empathy and understanding are deeply concerning, Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye. It’s evident that another apology won’t suffice to address the gravity of the situation. As the Minister for Women Affairs, your words and actions carry significant weight and have far-reaching implications for women across the nation. It’s imperative that you undergo official, updated education on women’s issues, victimization, and the importance of empowering and amplifying the voices of survivors.

Given the sensitivity of your position, it’s alarming that you continue to hold onto your role without demonstrating a genuine commitment to learning and growth. The nation and the president should indeed be worried about your continued tenure. I urge you to volunteer for extensive training and education on these critical issues. However, if you are unable or unwilling to do so, it may be time to consider stepping down from your position. Failing that, pressure from the people may ultimately lead to your dismissal. It’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of women above all else, and your continued presence in your current role undermines these crucial objectives.

Your words and actions have not gone unnoticed by international bodies such as the United Nations and women’s groups in Nigeria, Africa, and indeed around the globe. The propagation of harmful narratives surrounding domestic violence contradicts the principles of gender equality and human rights upheld by these organizations. Your advocacy for silence and passivity in the face of abuse directly undermines the efforts of countless activists and advocates working tirelessly to eradicate gender-based violence.

On a positive note, your call for legislative action to establish mobile courts to address gender-based and sexual offenses is commendable. Additionally, your plans to launch an integrity group to oversee the proper utilization of funds allocated for women’s empowerment initiatives are steps in the right direction. It’s crucial to address domestic conflicts proactively and ensure the safety and well-being of women in Nigerian households.

Moreover, it’s high time that the police, judges, magistrates, and others working on gender and children’s issues receive periodic training conducted by psychologists, social workers, and experts in these matters. Such training initiatives must be comprehensive and extend across all states and localities, ensuring that law enforcement and judicial personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively handle cases of gender-based violence and child abuse. By investing in continuous education and professional development, we can enhance the response to these critical issues and better protect the rights and well-being of women and children across Nigeria.

Furthermore, your efforts to raise awareness of the devastating impact of sexual assault in the workplace, especially in the military, are commendable. The suffering experienced by victimized individuals, particularly abused children and female soldiers, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. It’s time for special cross-training for federal and state agencies, including law enforcement and the judiciary, to hold periodic training on gender-based violence.

During the Tinubu presidency, let us see the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, in all states and localities. Such actions will lead to the promotion and practice of human rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals in society. It’s time to take concrete steps to address these pressing challenges facing Nigeria today.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu