By Prisca Nguzo
Police in Imo State have been urged to adopt the Imo Violence Against Prohibited Persons, VAPP Law 2021 as a legal framework to effectively address, investigate and prosecute cases of Gender Based Violence, GBV in the state.
The call was made by Alliance For Africa, AFA, a social development feminist non-governmental organisation at the flag-off of a one-day training for Police Officers on Imo State VAPP Law (2021) implementation organized by the group held at Protea Hotel, Owerri, weekend.
Speaking, AfA Executive Director, Ms. Iheoma Obibi said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of Police officers by equipping them with in-depth knowledge of GBV as well as understanding gender roles, "that have stereotyped the conduct, actions and inactions of persons in society even to their detriment."
She added that lessons from the training would also help the participants "to develop and implement strategies within the police force to improve the support and protection of victims with a focus on enhancing reporting mechanisms and creating a more survivor-centred approach in handling GBV and sexual harassment cases"
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In his keynote address, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma said the VAPP Law represents a significant advancement in the police's legal framework, aimed at combating gender based violence and safeguarding the rights of every individual in the State.
He said, "To all participating officers, I urge you to engage fully in today’s training. This program is designed to deepen your understanding of the VAPP LAW and equip you with the tools needed for its effective implementation. The knowledge and skills you gain will be crucial in enhancing our collective ability to combat violence and uphold justice"
CP Danjuma commended the organizer for their "dedication and meticulous planning" which according to him was instrumental in making the initiative possible.
"Your efforts highlight the importance of professional development and demonstrate our shared resolve to address and prevent violence in our community"
Also, the Imo VAPP Law sponsor and former House Member in the state, Hon. Uju Onwudiwe who expressed passion for the law, appealed to the Police to work closely with Civil Society Organizations to maximize the gains of the law.
According to her, "the Police should be fully in charge in implementing the VAPP Law in order to effectively and conclusively prosecute cases of abuse, rapes among others in our state and society at large."
She thanked AfA for their initiative cum training of the Police personnel on the law which she said was in the best interest of all and sundry in the state.
Emphasizing further on the importance of the training, the State Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Administration, DCP Hamman Joda Barka stated that the workshop was well packaged to broaden the knowledge and understanding of the Police personnel who included Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) who handle GBV cases.
He added that the CP has shown capacity and diligence to duties by ensuring that all rape cases brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Command are thoroughly handled, investigated and charged to court within time frame.
Speaking also, the Programme Director, Blessing Duru noted that AFA has made progress in addressing cases of GBV while appealing to the Police force to partner with the Organization in providing specialized Desks to handle related cases.
Duru decried the sentimental options of settlement outside the court, noting that a rapist is a killer who needs no mercy but the full wrath of the law as the crime cuts across all strata of the society.
"Until we continue to send these mad men to prison, Our society, Our society will continue to suffer", she concluded.
Adding his voice, the Traditional Ruler of Umuororonjo Community, in Owerri Municipality, Eze Clinton Uboegbulam called on the Police to take serious matters of GBV and to abhor all forms of sharp settlements outside the legal framework for the offence, stressing that it creates bottlenecks in fighting for justice and traumatize victims more.
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Leading the discuss made up of five interactive sessions, the Chief Resource Person, Mrs Juliet Olumuyiwa dwelt on overview of gender-based violence, consideration of relevant laws as well as ethical considerations in dealing survivors of GBV/VAWG among others.
Mrs Olumuyiwa called on the participants to hold onto the learnings so to stand out in the course of their duties, adding that the VAPP Law is encompassing as it touches all areas of abuse with well spelt out penalties.
She however extolled Imo Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, and Wife, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, as well as the Sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Uju Onwudiwe who contributed to the passing of the bill while charging the Police officers to ensure speedy attention to abuse cases and as well refer victims to non-abusive adults.
The participants who could not contain their joy for the programme, noted that the workshop is not only germane but an eye opener to guide them into full prosecution of rape, sexual harassment and GBV cases among others.
The highlights of the event was award of certificates presented to all the participants.
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