Diri inaugurates gender violence response committee

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has inaugurated the state’s Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) headed by a gender advocate and legal practitioner, Dise Ogbise, to curb cases of domestic violence against persons in the state.

Unveiling the 18-member committee at Government House, Yenagoa, Diri said with the signing of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP) earlier in the year, Bayelsa became one of the states that had domesticated the law.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, disclosed that the governor charged members of them to work as a team and collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), especially the ministries of Women Affairs and Justice to ensure proper implementation of the law.

Diri, who noted that the task ahead of the committee was enormous, urged the members to tackle the menace holistically, as there were cases of men being victims of domestic abuse.

“Domestic violence is rising regardless of tribe, gender, religion and social status. Earlier this year, we domesticated the VAPP law in Bayelsa State. We expect the committee to work with MDAs, especially the ministries of Women Affairs and Justice to ensure that the law is implemented to the letter,” the statement reads.

The governor expressed confidence in the committee’s capacity to tackle issues of violence against persons, as its membership included medical personnel, lawyers and law enforcement agents, among other professionals.

“I charge you to work as a team and bring your experience to bear on your mandate in the interest of Bayelsa people. The chairman of the committee has a lot of experience, as a result of what she has been doing at the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and in advocating gender-based issues in the state.”

Responding, Ogbise expressed the commitment to discharge their mandate in line with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2021.

Ogbise, who commended the governor, his wife, Gloria Diri and members of the state House of Assembly for the confidence reposed in the committee, assured that with their support, they would take the campaign to all parts of the state.

Members of the committee are Mrs. Maria Olodi-Osumah (Vice-Chairman), Inatimi Odio (Secretary), Anne Obuebite, Omietimi James, Arubiosou Ebimobowei.

Deme Pamoso, Perekebina Berezi, Bogofanyo Perekibina, Panebi Jacob and Felicia Owei, among others.