The Rivers State government has vowed to eradicate all forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women, girls, and other vulnerable persons.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba, made the commitment on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to mark 16 days of activism on the elimination of violence against women and girls at the Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt
Anabraba stressed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is interested in the welfare of women and will continue to uphold the constitutional duty to protect all persons, especially women and the vulnerable.
He frowned at the rising cases of abuses of the female gender, such as rape, trafficking, and domestic violence by spouses and partners using their position to unlawfully assault and dehumanize their partners in relationships, noting that the state will not gloss over the acts
“The government of Rivers State believes no one has the right to use unlawful acts of violence to harm, deform or dehumanize another, simply because there is a relationship that has been created either by law or by nature. We will not encourage or condone those behaviours, in fact, we detest them.
“The duty is placed higher on us to ensure that we prohibit, deter, and punish people for such unlawful acts, such as rape and domestic violence.
“We will continue to create awareness on these matters, in accordance with the law, such as the Violence Against Persons Law in Rivers State. We will not compromise with anyone who indulges in these unwholesome activities.
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“We also appeal to parents, guardians and the public to make it a sense of duty to report cases wherever they occur and to also educate their subjects,” he stated.
Anabraba added that the state will continue to collaborate with well-meaning organizations that strive to protect and enhance the welfare of women and the vulnerable.
Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Vera Dike, outlined strategic offices such as the office of the public defender and the Department of Public Prosecution, amongst others, that can be reached by the public to obtain necessary assistance in cases of rape and other crimes against women and the girl child.
Director of the Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Adaku Ubelejit-Nte, noted that the global days of activism observed annually from November 25-December 10, is an initiative aimed at raising awareness and influencing policy.
