The Director General of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Musa Onogo Idris, Esq., and his team recently visited the Okengwe Traditional Council at Okengwe in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf and the royal fathers warmly welcomed the Director General and Officers of the Commission.
In his opening speech, the DG appreciated HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf, the Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi and Okengwe Traditional Council for being present for the sensitization.
He said the purpose 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 provisions of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022.
While speaking on the establishment and functions of the Commission, Onogo Esq. noted that PDCRC was established by the Kogi State Government to provide free legal representation and other related services to the residents of Kogi State, particularly the less privileged, indigent and vulnerable.
He stated “…we provide legal aid in both criminal and civil cases to indigent residents of the State irrespective of their tribes”.
He stressed that persons who cannot afford legal fees should take advantage of the Commission instead of taking to self-help.
He noted that the State government is committed to bridging the gaps between the rich and the poor by ensuring access to justice for all through PDCRC. He further stated that, part of the functions of the Commission is to settle matters brought before it through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediums in deserving circumstances.
He noted that the Commission had settled several matters on a round table; thereby saving the time and resources that parties may have expended on litigation. He added that the Commission receives complaints from individuals or by referral from government agencies, public and private institutions.
The DG stated also 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 “we partner with law enforcement agencies and other critical stakeholders in the discharge of our responsibilities”.
The Director General made it known to the traditional Council that the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022, which prohibits all forms of violence against individuals in public and private life is domiciled in PDCRC for implementation and enforcement.
In her presentation on the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022, Hibat Umar Esq., the Head of Alternative Dispute Resolution 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.
She added that the Law intends that we all live peacefully at the family unit and in the society.Hibat Esq., highlighted the offences prohibited by the VAPP Law, which are: Rape; Sexual Intimidation; Incest; Inflicting Physical Injury on another; Coercion; Willfully Placing Person in Fear of Physical Injury; Offensive Conduct; Damage to Property with Intent to cause Distress; Frustrating Investigation; Willfully Making False Statements; Depriving a Person of His or Her Liberty; Stalking; Other offences are Economic Abuse; Forced Isolation or Separation from Family and Friends; Emotional, Verbal or Psychological Abuse; Abandonment of Children, Spouse and other Dependents without Sustenance; Spousal Battery; Prohibition of Female Circumcision or Genital Mutilation; Harmful Widowhood Practices; Harmful Traditional Practices; Attack with Harmful Substance; Administering a Substance with Intent to overpower; Political Violence; Violence by State Actors.She also drew the attention of the traditional council to the various punishments to the above offences which upon conviction will attract imprisonment, fines or both.
The royal fathers made inputs and there were questions and answer after the presentation. In his remarks, HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf, the Ohi of Okengwe commended the Kogi State Government for the establishment of PDCRC.
He equally appreciated the DG and his team for sensitizing them on the mandate of the Commission and the provisions of the VAPP Law. He stressed that the awareness creation was important for all categories of persons.
He assured the DG of the traditional council’s partnership with the Commission at ensuring that they assist to amplifier the voice of the Commission.
He prayed for the Kogi State Government and the Commission.
The DG appreciated HRH. Ohi of Okengwe and all the royal fathers and presented to HRH. the Ohi, copies of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022.Ameh Friday, Esq.Senior Legal Officer/Director General’s Legal Assistant.
Comments
Post a Comment