The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls, particularly in the digital space, as it partners with the Side by Side Movement (Nigerian Interfaith and Traditional Leaders for Gender Justice) to confront the rising challenges of online abuse in the state.
Receiving leaders of the Movement during an advocacy visit, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of digital violence against women and girls.
He described the trend as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” especially in a society that values justice, human dignity, and constitutional freedoms.
Comrade Waiya noted his long-standing association with the Side by Side Movement, stating that he still considers himself part of the initiative because of its alignment with his commitment to amplifying the voices of the underprivileged.
He emphasized that the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf–led administration remains fully committed to upholding human rights and strengthening justice-sector institutions.
This, he said, is reflected in ongoing reforms within the criminal justice system, including the government’s decision to replace police prosecutors with trained lawyers to enhance professionalism and efficiency in justice delivery.
On the issue of digital abuse, the Commissioner lamented that although social media is intended to provide a space for free expression as guaranteed by the Constitution, some individuals have turned it into a hostile environment, particularly for women and girls.
Comrade Waiya assured the delegation that the Ministry will develop a strategic engagement framework to mobilize key stakeholders, influential social media actors, and community voices to collectively combat digital violence against women and girls in the state.
In his remarks, the Co-Chair of the Side by Side Movement, Nigerian Interfaith and Traditional Leaders for Gender Justice (Kano State Chapter), Reverend Samuel Adeyemi, said the group is seeking a strong partnership with the Ministry to address the growing menace of online abuse targeting women and young girls.
He also called for government support in advocating for the passage of the Violence Against Women and Girls Bill in Kano State, noting that several other states have already enacted similar legislation.
Reverend Adeyemi explained that the advocacy visit aimed to reinforce the message of zero tolerance for digital violence and to help ensure that the online environment becomes safer, more respectful, and more inclusive for all women and girls.
Credit: Sani Abba Yola
