The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State Branch has called on the public to support the enactment of Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP ACT, 2015, into Rivers state laws.
FIDA Chairperson, Mrs Anthonia Osadebe, who stated this to newsmen during the VAPP sensitization outreach at Alakahia in Obio-Akpor Local government area and Abonnema town in Akuku-toru local government area, said that the right and life of every person in the state will be protected under the law.
According to her, the VAPP Act prohibits all forms of violence against persons, provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment for offenders.
“If people are being sensitized on the essence of Violence Against Persons Prohibition law to be enacted in Rivers state, they will appreciate the provision of the law and help to disseminate the information. Also knowing the provisions of this law will help them to know their rights and speak out for the law’s implementation.
“There are many innovations in criminal codes that is contained in the VAPP act. If it is enacted as a law in Rivers state, we will benefit a lot like the offence of rape and defilement that is now broadened.
“Where a man abandons his children or fails to provide the family’s needs or where a woman leaves her matrimonial home, this law provides punishment for all of these fences. Even forcing a woman to provide is now an offence.”
She appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly to consider the adoption of the VAPP Act, stressing that the law is important and applicable to the society.
Some respondents who spoke to Theportcitynews.com reporter, Tina Stephen, at the event thanked FIDA for educating them on their rights as Rivers citizens, saying that they are in full support of the VAPP act to be enacted.
Others said that the VAPP sensitization have imparted in the them, the knowledge of knowing that a wife, husband and children have their rights, while promising to propagate the information to their families, neighbours and the rest of their communities.
