Rivers State Government has made a strong promise to stop all forms of sexual and gender based violence. The government wants to protect women, girls, and people who need help from harm.
Dr Benibo Anabraba is an important leader in Rivers State. He spoke about this promise on Wednesday in Port Harcourt. A group from the University of Port Harcourt came to visit him. They wanted to talk about stopping violence against women and girls.
Why Rivers State Cares About Stopping Violence
The state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, cares deeply about women’s safety. Dr Anabraba explained that the governor will always work to protect all people in Rivers State. He will especially protect women and vulnerable persons.
Dr Anabraba talked about serious problems that hurt women. These problems include rape, trafficking, and domestic violence. Some people use their power to hurt their partners. This is wrong and against the law.
What Rivers State Will Do to Punish Offenders
Dr Anabraba said Rivers State will not allow these bad actions to continue. The government believes no one has the right to hurt another person through violence. It does not matter if people are married or in a relationship. Hurting someone is always wrong.
“We will not encourage or condone those behaviours. In fact, we detest them,” Dr Anabraba stated clearly.
Rivers State has a duty to stop violence before it happens. The government will also punish people who commit acts of violence like rape and domestic violence. This punishment will be fair and follow the law.
How Rivers State Creates Awareness About Violence
Rivers State has a special law called the Violence Against Persons Law. This law helps protect people from harm. The government will keep teaching people about this law and how it protects them.
The government will not make exceptions for anyone who commits violent acts. Everyone who breaks these laws will face consequences.
Dr Anabraba asked parents, guardians, and all people in Rivers State to help. People must report cases of violence when they see them happen. Parents should also teach their children about treating others with respect and kindness.
Which Government Offices Help Victims in Rivers State
Rivers State has many government offices that help women and vulnerable persons. These offices work together to provide support and protection.
The wife of the governor, Valerie Fubara, runs programs to help women. She works alone and also partners with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of Nigeria’s president. Together, they regularly help women and vulnerable persons through the Renewed Hope Initiatives.
Vera Sam Dike is the Solicitor-General in Rivers State. She explained that several offices can help people who need assistance:
- The Office of the Public Defender helps people who cannot afford lawyers
- The Department of Public Prosecution handles criminal cases
- Other offices in the Ministry of Justice provide support to victims
People can contact these offices if they experience rape or other crimes. The offices will provide the help they need.
Rivers State Partners with Organizations Fighting Violence
Dr Anabraba promised that Rivers State will work with good organizations. These organizations want to protect women and vulnerable persons. The government will continue to work with the Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies at the University of Port Harcourt.
Dr Adaku Ubelejit-Nte leads this Centre. She explained that there is a global campaign called 16 Days of Activism. This campaign happens every year from November 25 to December 10. The campaign teaches people about violence against women and girls. It also tries to change laws and policies to better protect women.
This year in Nigeria, the campaign focuses on working together for justice. It remembers victims like Ochanya who suffered from gender based violence. The campaign wants justice for all victims.
What This Means for Gender Researchers
Gender researchers studying Rivers State should know these important facts:
Rivers State has clear policies against sexual and gender based violence. The state uses the Violence Against Persons Law to prosecute offenders. Multiple government agencies coordinate responses to violence cases. The state government partners with academic institutions like the University of Port Harcourt Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies.
Rivers State emphasizes prevention through public awareness campaigns. The government also focuses on punishment for offenders and support for survivors. The involvement of the governor’s wife shows political will at the highest levels. The alignment with federal initiatives like Renewed Hope demonstrates multi-level government coordination.
Why Rivers State’s Approach Matters
Sexual and gender based violence is a serious problem in many parts of Nigeria. Different states are taking action to stop this violence. Some states have passed new laws. Others have created programs to help victims.
Rivers State’s strong position shows that the government is serious about protecting women and girls. The state will not ignore violence. Instead, it will punish people who commit these crimes.
The government understands that stopping violence requires many actions. It needs good laws, strong punishment, public awareness, and support for victims. Rivers State is working on all these areas at the same time.
How Communities Can Help Stop Violence in Rivers State
Everyone in Rivers State has a role to play in stopping violence. Parents must teach their children to respect others. Teachers should talk about healthy relationships in schools. Religious leaders can speak against violence in their communities.
When people see violence happening, they must report it to the police or government offices. Staying silent helps violent people continue their bad actions. Speaking up can save lives.
Communities should support victims of violence. Victims need kindness, not blame. They need help finding safety and justice. When communities stand together against violence, they become stronger and safer.
Rivers State Government is ready to support anyone who reports violence. The government has created many offices to help. No one should be afraid to ask for help.
Conclusion
Rivers State Government has shown strong commitment to ending sexual and gender based violence. Through clear policies, dedicated government offices, and community partnerships, the state is working to protect women, girls, and vulnerable persons. Gender researchers and advocates can find more resources and information about gender issues at genderpedia.ng/shop, which provides valuable tools for understanding and addressing gender based violence.
