The Rivers State Government has reiterated its dedication to eliminating all forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
The government made the commitment in Port Harcourt during an advocacy visit marking the 16 Days of Activism on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls by the Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Anabraba, emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to the welfare of women and will continue to uphold the constitutional responsibility to protect all persons, particularly women and the vulnerable.
In a statement issued by Juliana Masi, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Anabraba expressed concern over the rising incidents of abuse targeting women, including rape, trafficking, and domestic violence, often perpetrated by spouses or partners misusing their positions to assault and dehumanize their partners.
He affirmed that the state will take decisive action against such acts.
Anabraba said: “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 on anyone who indulges in these unwholesome activities.”
Anabraba acknowledged the outreach initiatives of Lady Valerie Fubara, the Rivers State Governor’s wife, both independently and in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiatives of the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at empowering and supporting women and vulnerable groups.
At the event, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam Dike, identified key offices such as the Office of the Public Defender and the Department of Public Prosecution, which the public can access for support in cases involving rape and other crimes against women and girls.
The Director of the Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Dr Adaku Ubelejit-Nte, noted that the Global 16 Days of Activism, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, is designed to raise awareness and influence policy on issues affecting women and vulnerable populations.
