NGO Charges kogites to shun oppressive cultural, native practices , to embrace VAPP law.
The Residents of Sarkin-Noma community, Lokoja metropolis, Kogi state have been urged to embrace the principles of the new Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Laws to liberate themselves from oppressive cultural, customary and traditional laws.
Barr Joy Akinola gave the admonition during a capacity building training organised by NGO known as Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change In Development (PIBCID) and Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF) in Sarkin Noma community, Lokoja, Kogi state.
Speaking on contents of the VAPP Law, Barr Akinola said, “We are here to sensitise the community on the existence of VAPP laws so as to empower vulnerable citizens of your rights and how to take advantage of them.
She said, “Before the VAPP laws, the society was ruled and governed by cultural and traditional laws which by all intent and purposes promoted flagrant abuse of rights of women, children, spouses etc.
“But now, the federal government had enacted the VAPP laws and it has been domesticated by the Kogi state government”
She pointed that those who used to engage in right abuse like female circumcision, raping of vulnerable teenagers and molestation of the rights of widows get away with it will no longer escape justice under the VAPP laws.
“Rape of minors, adults, or abuse of rights of widows, housemaids, etc now attract jail terms, life jail or death penalty depending on the severity of the case.
“Having sex with the other partner without his or her consent can attract 14 years imprisonment with no option of fine.
“Part of the reasons we are embarking on this sensitisation is to educate the general public on the implications of the laws because ignorance is not an excuse.
She therefore urged parents to be aware of these laws so that they can protect vulnerable children and women in their community.
In his remarks, leader of the Sarkin Noma community Alhaji Musa Sarki Bala express his appreciation to the NGO for chosing his community for the sensitisation visit, saying the training has equipped residents with required information to prevent rights abuse.
In a remark Executive Director
Participation initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID) Mrs Racheal Remilekun encouraged parents and guardians to report all cases of abuse to law enforcement agencies and avoid taking laws into their hands.
She also warned women not to subject themselves to cultural, customary, native laws anymore but explore the opportunity of the VAPP laws.
