By Gabriel Chy Alonta
A legal aide committee has sensitized vulnerable persons in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state, on how to obtain free legal aide.
The sensitization tagged, ‘Free Legal Clinic,’ took place last Saturday at Okpoko Town Hall, Onitsha.
Speaking at the occasion, the State Coordinator of the Committee, Barr. Nkolika Ebede, emphasized the roles of the committee and the legal aide the committee offers to the vulnerable group in the state.
Ebede gave an overview on Disability Rights Law of Anambra State, and stressed the need for persons living with disability not to be subjected to discrimination. She called for the provision of adequate entrance to buildings for people living with disability.
She also educated participants on Landlord and Tenancy Laws, explaining the rights and duties of the two parties, even as she threw more light on Widowhood Law dealing on harmful practices and women inheritance laws.
Also, Mr. Peter Onyegiri told his audience on the need to protect their human rights and other of such rights that are available and enforceable in the state and country at large. He remarked that bail was free in the country and that he had secured free bail for many in Police detentions.
Contributing, Amaka Okoye informed the participants on the existence of Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) at Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital. She narrated how the SARC came about and the services it offers at the center, especially in managing rape victims.
Another speaker, Francis Chimeremeze Ekwemeze, gave an overview on the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State and buttressed on the rights of children and how parents and caregivers can help to prevent child’s sexual abuse.
Earlier, Hope Nkiruka Okoye, spoke on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Anambra State, and harped on certain provisions of the law, such as – abandonment, damages to properties, forceful ejection, domestic violence, sexual abuses, and more.
The president-general of Okpoko community, Francis Elemuo, had, in a vote of thanks, urged the committee not to relent on their oars, while assuring their readiness to partner with them.
Question and answer session involving the participants and bothering on different areas touched formed the high point of the sensitization exercise.