FIDA urges govt to step up sensitization on VAPP law in Kogi

Worried by the high cases of public and private violence across the state, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) have appealed to the Kogi State Government to make available to the public the Violence Against Persons’ Prohibition law, (VAPP) signed by the government in 2022.

The Kogi State Chairperson, FIDA, Lilian Ajuma made the appeal at a one-day sensitization of stakeholders in the criminal justice administration sector, of the provisions of the Kogi State VAPP law 2022.

Okolo while noting that, the programme is aimed at enlightening the general public on the VAPP law said the law demonstrates the government’s commitment to putting an end to all forms of violence in the state.

The legal practitioners lamented the wide misconception about the VAPP law, stressing that, there is a need to sensitize the people more about the law to reduce violence against any person in Kogi State.

She also appealed to the government to give adequate funding to the office of the Public Defender who according to her has the mandate to ensure proper implementation of the VAPP law.

In his remarks, the Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi commended FIDA for their promptness on issues concerning the rights of Women and Children in the country.

Justice Majebi also reiterated that some lawyers in the state are not aware that the law has been passed, just as he appealed to the Ministry of Justice to take a proper look at the law and ensure that their charges come under it.

Narrating his ordeals about the sharp practices of some lawyers with questionable character, the Chief judge lamented that, some prosecuting counsels have been compromised hence the need to collectively put an end to such menace in the judiciary.

Also speaking, State Attorney General, Ibrahim Sanni who was represented by Okpanachi was of the view that the sensitization programme will bring the law closer to the people.

Adding his voice, the Chairperson, Kogi State NGO network, Idris Ozovehe Muraina commended FIDA for their roles in making a better society.

In her paper presentation, on the overview of Kogi State Violence Prohibition Law, a legal practitioner, Ojoma Haruna said the VAPP law is not restricted to women alone but also captured individuals including children, men and vulnerable persons.

She said the VAPP Law eliminates all forms of violence in both public and private lives, adding that, there were high cases of violence during the COVID-19 lockdown across the country.

It could be recalled that 34 states including Kogi, have domesticated the VAPP law.