BAYELSA: GROUP WANTS DOMESTICATION OF LAW AGAINST VIOLENCE

YENEGOA, Bayelsa, Nigeria – A Non-Governmental Organisation, Face Initiative has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its disposition against violence in the state and for creating a peaceful and stable environment. The group made the commendation when it paid a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in his office.

Team leader of the group, Mr. Inatimi Odio explained that they are on a campaign for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill which was signed into law in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He explained that domesticating the law in Bayelsa will go along way to reduce violence in the state, especially in the various communities. He disclosed that Face Initiative is working with other Civil Society Organisations and the Media in the state for the adoption of the law.

According to him, their visit to the Commissioner was because of the strategic role his ministry plays in information dissemination and solicited his assistance to actualize their objective.

“We are working with the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, we have reviewed the federal act and we have a draft bill with him. We want him to study the bill and see the provision of the law, how it will benefit the state, and pass it to the governor to review and thereafter pass into law in Bayelsa State”.

Responding, Iworiso-Markson lauded them for their advocacy and called on all Bayelsans to condemn every form of violence, assuring that Governor Seriake Dickson will not hesitate to give his assent if the provisions of the law will be of help to the state.

He also assured that his ministry will partner with them to create awareness, so that victims of domestic violence and other forms of violence will have the courage to come out and report such cases.

He said: “Let me commend your initiative, it is not every day that you find this kind of group in the state. You have come to the right place, we will partner with you and give you every support you need.