The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti during public hearing of a bill to create rehabilitation centre for victims of rape, defilement and domestic violence.
The wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has praised the efforts of the State House of Assembly for enacting laws that will not only protects the vulnerable but ensure that the perpetrators of gender based violence gets the punishment they deserves to serve as a deterrent to those imagining to engage in such act.
Mrs. Otti, who was present at the floor of the Abia State House of Assembly Complex today, for the public hearing on the bill H. A. B 25, sponsored by the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency Mr. Rowland Dennis Chikwendu, to establish a rehabilitation centre for the victims and survivors of rape, defilement, trafficking, and domestic violence said that she has no doubt that the bill will receive speedy passage and ascent.
Mrs. Otti said, the proposition and public engagement of the Bill, is coming at a critical time when nations across the world are battling youth bulge which comes with challenges and promises.
Increasingly young people engage in drugs and other vices that push them into unacceptable behaviors. It is our responsibility to ensure their protection and help them return to good behavior.
The Governor’s wife explained that under the leadership of Governor Otti, the Office of the Wife of the Governor, has been intentional in its contributions in the area of ensuring that women, girls and vulnerable persons are protected. We consider this an important aspect in our quest for development.
“We have been supporting the education of girls through free education, creating awareness on zero tolerance for any form of violence against women/girls and other vulnerable persons.
Financial aid and empowerment of victims and survivors and young women including one-on-one counselling”.
We have also trained relevant agencies such as law enforcement officers, religious leaders and Traditional Rulers on SGBV reporting mechanisms.
However, the creation of this rehabilitation centre for victims/survivors of SGBV and human trafficking is a vital step in ensuring human rights and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“We urge swift and favourable consideration of this Bill” Mrs. Otti stated.
The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Emma Emeruwa
In her remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Emma Emeruwa explained that the participation of the wife of the Governor to the public hearing of the bill is a testament that democracy is working in Abia State.
We will not introduce any law that will be inimical to the society because we want a society where women, the girl child and the vulnerable rights are protected.
Narrating the overview of the bill, the Chairman house committee on health, Mr. Emeka Obioma stated that the bill H. A. B 25 of 2024 is seeking among other things to provide immediate medical and psychological support to the survivors of rape, domestic violence and abuse.
Offering long-term counseling and rehabilitation programmes tailored to specific needs of each individual.
The bill will also facilitate access to legal aid and support to victims seeking justice while collaborating with relevant stakeholders and organizations to enhance the effectiveness of the services provided to victims.
Explaining the importance of the bill, the Abia State Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna(SAN) said it is a welcome development in the sense that it will chat a new cause for survivors and help them realign their lives back.
The bill underscores the vision of Governor Otti, where everybody is protected regardless of status and more importantly it gives credence that justice is not about punishing the offender.
Meanwhile, the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Rowland Chikwendu, said that the bill when passed will be a holistic law that will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators and make Abia a safer place for women and children.
