RSHA Passes VAP Bill Into Law

The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAP) Bill 2019.
The Bill which was first passed by the National Assembly and required the states Assembly to domesticate it at the various states as to protect victims of acts of violence.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani said the Bill would prevent people from suffering violent attacks by defenseless persons.
Debating on the Bill before its passage, the members of the House expressed support for the Bill, and commended the House Committee that went through the Bill for doing a great job.
It would be recalled that the bill is aimed at catering for infractions and offences that may not have been captured by the criminal code.
During the public hearing last year, stakeholders ranging from civil rights organisations, health bodies and intergovernmental organisations, including security agencies made contributions to the bill.
Part of the recommendations was that penalties against offenders be stiffened to curb violent acts.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has been at the forefront of championing the passage of the bill.
The state President of the body, Ngozi Igosieve had commended the Assembly for initiating the bill.
She pointed out that it will curb incessant cases of abuse of women and children.
“This is a ray of hope” she said, “the bill will address gender based violence and protect the rights of women and girls”, Igosieve remarked.