Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signed into law a bill establishing a centre for the rehabilitation of survivors of rape, defilement, domestic violence and human trafficking.
The law, titled Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026, was assented to on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia.
Speaking during the signing, Otti commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill and praised government officials, including his wife, for their roles in its conception.
“I want to thank the House of Assembly for giving this bill an expedited hearing and for passing it in record time. I would also like to salute Her Excellency for championing this bill.
“And I want to thank the honourable commissioners in charge of Women Affairs, and the one in charge of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and members of the team for putting together this bill,” he said.
The governor, however, stressed that beyond establishing rehabilitation centres, there was a need for societal reorientation to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
“While we were going to set up a few more centres, it is my conviction, and I believe that we will get there because there is no need for that. And the real issue is about re-orientation,” Otti stated.
Otti described rape, child abuse and human trafficking as acts alien to Igbo culture, noting that such offences were traditionally condemned and sanctioned.
He added that his administration was creating employment opportunities to keep youths productively engaged and reduce the likelihood of criminal behaviour.
Presenting the bill for assent, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, said the legislation underwent due process and received accelerated consideration due to its importance.
“This bill deals with the rehabilitation of victims of rape and other violence, and this is why this bill received a very speedy passage.
“So I am very proud to be associated with this passage, so that something very positive will be started in our state,” Emeruwa said.
Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, who initiated the bill, said the law would provide support and hope for victims.
“I am very elated for this coming to fruition. This bill gives hope to our women and girls and a hope that not only would they get support, but they would also be rehabilitated and given the support they need to move forward,” she said.
She appreciated the House of Assembly and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.