Edo Dep. Speaker, Oligbi-Edeko, Assurances Impactful Laws
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, (EDHA), Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko has promised to sponsor people oriented laws that would directly impact on the lives of Edo people while in the 8th assembly.
Oligbi-Edeko made the pledge while delivering a keynote address at the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) Law Students’ Association dinner which climaxed the Law Week activities in Benin City, the Edo capital.
Represented by her Special Adviser, Barr. Tom Usigbe, Oligbi-Edeko disclosed that as a former commissioner, she worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition.(VAPP) Law in the State adding that, the law has become a great milestone achieved in history of the State in particular and the country in general.
“I personally worked tirelessly to ensure that law was passed by the 7th Assembly.
“It was passed on June 17, 2021 and assented to on August 5, 2021 by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
“The law seeks to protect individuals from violence, coercion and harmful practices, champions equal rights, equity and the elimination of all forms of abuse.
“The law covers rape, sexual harassment, intimidation coercive behavior, emotional abuse psychological abuse and economic abuse.
“It may interest you to know that some of my colleagues in BIU worked with me on this law, ” she said.
The Edo Dep. Speaker added that there has been a tremendous success recorded in the reduction of gender based violence in the state following the implementation of the law.
According to her, as a lawmaker in the 8th assembly, I will do more by ensuring laws that impacts directly on the citizens and aimed at engendering the needed social change in the society are made.
She, however, appealed for a collaborative and cooperative efforts of all and sundry to achieve a sane, order and egalitarian society where no man is oppressed and where truth and justice reigns.
The deputy speaker advised the young law students and the youth to stay out of drugs stressing that, the menace of drug abuse was ravaging the society.
“Focus on your education because the future is in your hands. Abide by rule of law and t is my sincere hope that Nigeria like many other nations will get it right someday, “ she added.
