PDCRC PAYS ADVOCACY VISIT TO OKENE TRADITIONAL COUNCIL AT THE PALACE OF THE OHI OF OKENE
Musa Onogo Idris, Esq., the Director General, Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), recently led a team of Officers of the Commission on an advocacy visit to the Okene Traditional Council headed by the Ohi of Okene HRH. Alhaji Isah Mamman at the Ohi’s Palace in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Ohi of Okene HRH. Alhaji Isah Mamman while welcoming the DG and his team, stated that the Okene Traditional Council which includes the traditional heads of Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and Edo were all present and prepared to receive the Commission.
In his opening remarks, the DG expressed gratitude to HRH. Ohi of Okene and the Okene Traditional Council for their presence and warm reception in spite the short notice.
He made it known to the Traditional Council that the aim of the visit was to sensitize them on the mandate of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC) and the Kogi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2022.Onogo Esq. noted that the Commission was established by the Kogi State Government to provide legal aid and other related services to the residents of Kogi State, particularly the less privileged, indigent and vulnerable.
He added that residents of the State irrespective of their tribes or ethnicities who cannot afford the services of a private legal practitioner can approach the Commission for free legal representation and other legal services.
Furthermore, the DG said, “it is part of the functions of the Commission to settle matters brought before it through Alternative Dispute Resolution mediums and that the Commission is an agency of the State Government that has mandate to protect and preserve the fundamental human rights of all residents in the State”.
He added that the Commission receives complaints or petitions directly from individuals or by referral from government agencies, public and private institutions.
Barr. Onogo introduced to the royal fathers, the Kogi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2022, which is domiciled in the Commission for implementation and enforcement.
He further stated that the VAPP Law prohibits all forms of violence against individuals in public and private life.In his presentation on the Kogi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2022, Emmanuel Ibenu Esq., the State Coordinator of VAPP Law and Head of Criminal Litigation Department stated that the purpose of the VAPP Law is to prohibit and eliminate all forms of violence against persons in private and public life and it provides maximum protection and effective remedy for victims of violence.
Ibenu Esq. spoke on the offences which VAPP Law prohibits; they are, Rape; inflicting physical injury on another; Coercion; Wilfully Placing a Person in Fear of Physical Injury; Offensive Conduct; Prohibition of Female Circumcision or Genital Mutilation; Frustrating Investigation; Wilfully Making False Statement; Forceful Ejection from Home; Depriving a Person of His or Her Liberty; Damage to Property with Intent to cause Distress; Economic Abuse; Forced Isolation or Separation from Family and Friends.
Other offences criminalized by the VAPP Law are Emotional, Verbal or Psychological Abuse; Harmful Widowhood Practices; Abandonment of Children, Spouse and other Dependents without Sustenance; Stalking; Sexual Intimidation; Spousal Battery; Harmful Traditional Practices; Attack with Harmful Substance; Administering a Substance with Intent to Overpower; Political Violence; Violence by State Actors; Incest.
He also explained the various punishments to the above offences which upon conviction attracts imprisonment, fines or both. After his presentation, there were questions and answer session.
The Ohi of Okene, HRH. Alhaji Isah Mamman in his response said he was delighted for the visit and for sensitizing them on the provisions of the VAPP Law.
HRH applauded the Kogi State Government for the establishment of the Commission and assured the Director General of their partnership in awareness creation and sensitizing their people on the functions of the Commission and the VAPP Law.
In conclusion, there was a traditional breaking of kola nut and prayers were offered for the Kogi State Government and the Commission.
The DG expressed gratitude to HRH. Ohi of Okene and all the royal fathers and presented copies of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022 to HRH. Ohi of Okene.
Ameh Friday, Esq.Senior Legal Officer/Director General’s Legal Assistant.
