Abia State Enacts Law Establishing Rehabilitation Centre for Survivors of Rape, GBV

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has signed into law the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking Law, 2026.

Performing the signing ceremony at his office on Monday, the Governor commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the swift passage of the bill. He also acknowledged the contributions of his wife, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, and relevant government officials in ensuring the realisation of the legislation.

Governor Otti stated, “I want to thank the House of Assembly for giving this bill an expedited hearing and passing it in record time. I also salute Her Excellency for championing this bill, as well as the Commissioners for Women Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, alongside the team that worked on it.”

The Governor expressed optimism that, over time, the need for such rehabilitation centres would diminish, stressing that societal reorientation remains key to addressing the root causes of gender-based violence.

Referring to the commissioning of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba on February 18, 2026, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing more centres while working towards a future where they would no longer be necessary.

Governor Otti further emphasized that crimes such as rape, child abuse, molestation, and human trafficking are not inherent in Igbo culture, recalling that such acts were historically condemned and offenders ostracised.

He noted that his administration has remained deliberate in engaging citizens productively through job creation and empowerment initiatives to curb social vices, stating that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

Presenting the bill for assent, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, explained that the legislation focuses on the rehabilitation of victims of rape and other forms of gender-based violence. He expressed pride in the Assembly’s role in ensuring its prompt passage and urged the Governor to ensure its effective implementation.

In her reaction, the Governor’s wife and initiator of the bill, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the law as a major step toward providing hope and justice for women and girls. She noted that the legal framework would not only ensure timely justice but also provide the necessary support for victims to reintegrate into society.

Mrs. Otti expressed gratitude to the Governor, members of the House of Assembly, and particularly Hon. Chinwendu Roland, who sponsored the bill, for their collective efforts in making the law a reality.

The Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, alongside members of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, and other top government officials, were present at the signing ceremony.