The Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday signed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill into law.
He said the decision was aimed to further strengthen the fundamental right to life and ensure adequate protection of lives and property of the citizens in the State.
Oyetola who reassured of his Administration’s commitment to citizens’ security, pledged that the State would ensure full implementation and enforcement of the new law.
This is even as the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, said the law would help to bring moral back to the society.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) is an Act to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishments of offenders; and for related matters.
The signing of the Bill by the Governor, which coincided with the commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child further aimed to give priority and value to human existence and ensure peaceful cohabitation among residents.
While assenting the Bill at the Executive Council Lounge, Governor’s office, Abere, Oyetola said his assent to the Bill has marked the commencement of the law in the State.
According to him, the law will no doubt help reduce to the barest minimum violence in public places especially against women and children, as provisions have been made in the law for maximum protection of persons anywhere in the State.
“My assent to the Bill today marks the commencement of the law in our State. Today’s event is equally historic because I assented to the VAPP Bill on the day the World is marking the International Day of the Girl-Child.
“I congratulate our children and also seize this occasion to re- assure them that under our administration, their future is secured, as we shall continue to do everything to ensure equal opportunities for them.
“We shall also continue to formulate and implement policies and programmes that will promote the progress and safety of the Girl-Child in Osun.
“The law will no doubt help reduce to the barest minimum, violence in public places, especially against women and children, as provisions have been made in the law for maximum protection of persons anywhere in the State.
“It will also adequately address issue of domestic violence and guarantee better and healthy living for the people of Osun.
“I assure our commitment to ensure full implementation of the law in the interest of our people, especially the weak in our midst,” Oyetola added.
He commended the House for passing the Bill in record time just as he equally acknowledged the role of the First Lady in ensuring the quick passage of the Bill.
Earlier, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, had said the passage and consequent assent of the Bill into law would henceforth strengthen moral standard and instill discipline and sanctity into the society as its implementation and enforcement would spare no one.
According to him, the law will decimate any act of violence against persons in both private and public life.
He commended the Governor for giving a free hand and for allowing members of the House to perform their functions without interference.
In her remarks, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola said the law will push further the frontiers and help to eliminate all forms of violence against persons particularly the women and children.
Mrs. Oyetola lauded the Governor and the lawmakers on the development.
“I also use this opportunity to appeal to our security outfits to please collaborate with the State Government to rid our State of sexual and all forms of violence. The fortification of the security apparatus in the State with the establishment of Amotekun should give greater respite to our people, especially our girls and our women.
“I urge you to make this so. No case of gender- based violence, indeed other forms of violence should go unpunished adequately in Osun. Enforcement of the law and success at prosecution in the courts will go a long way in making Osun the desired State where life is more abundant,” she added.
The Chairman House Committee on Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Mulika Abiola Jimoh and the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Barrister Bukola Olabopo, described the law as a major breakthrough and milestone to stem the tide of violence and ensure continued peaceful coexistence in the State.