The bill seeking to eliminate all forms of violence in public and private places, protect victims while providing remedies for victims has been passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Prior to the passage of the bill, ‘Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPP) 2019 which is an act of the National Assembly to be domesticated in the State was a heated debate especially on the status of the word ‘dependant’ as contained in the section that seeks protection of the ‘dependant’ in the face of abandonment.
Majority of lawmakers through a voice vote maintained that the status of the word ‘dependant’ be given definite definition before the bill is passed.
They were of the view that the word is very ambiguous and should be given definite definition so as to avoid complications during the implementation of the bill when passed.
Majority leader, Martin Amaewhule in trying to define the word ‘dependant’ said it is anybody living with a family at the period of the abandonment while Mathew Dike of Tai constituency defined it as wife, children and any other individual depending on the man for survival.
Other lawmakers in their separate views including House Committee chairman on information and training Enemi Alabo George, Anthony Soberekon of Degema constituency and Solomon Sokulu of Abua/ odua constituency maintained that it was not proper to allow the judiciary to interpret the word rather it should be operationalized .
The bill was however, passed into law after the House was divided and votes cast based on Hon. Mathew Dike’s definition of the word ‘dependant’.
