NEWS
GOV. ALEX OTTI SIGNS LANDMARK 2026 LAW ESTABLISHING REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR SURVIVORS OF RAPE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DEFILEMENT AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
…as Bill Sets Moral Framework For the Protection and Recovery of Victims of Gender-Based Violence.
In a defining moment for social justice, human dignity, and institutional reform in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has officially signed into law the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and any form of Human Trafficking Law of 2026, setting a new legal and moral framework for the protection and recovery of victims of gender-based violence.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Governor’s Office on Monday, marks a significant leap in the state’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations while strengthening structures for justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
While assenting to the bill, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to the Abia State House of Assembly for its prompt legislative action, as well as to key drivers behind the initiative, particularly his wife, Her Excellency, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, whose advocacy played a central role in bringing the bill to fruition.
“I want to thank the House of Assembly for giving this bill an expedited hearing and for passing it in record time. I would like to also 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,“ Governor Otti stated.
Beyond the legislative victory, the Governor struck a reflective tone on the broader societal challenge, emphasizing that while infrastructure and legal frameworks are critical, the ultimate solution lies in reshaping societal values and attitudes.
“I want to reiterate what I said on the 18th of February, 2026, when we commissioned the centre in Aba, – Sexual Assault Referral Centre,
“As I said on that day, that while we were going to set up a few more centres, it is my conviction, and I believe that we’ll get there, where we start closing them, because there is no need for that. And the real issue is about reorientation,“ Governor further Otti stated.
Governor Otti further underscored that crimes such as rape, child abuse, molestation, and human trafficking are alien to traditional Igbo values, stressing the need to return to cultural principles that once enforced strict social accountability.
“I had underscored at that point that this is not part of our culture; rape, child abuse, molestation, and all those kinds of things, child trafficking, human trafficking.
“Growing up here, it was strange, and these were offences that were outlawed and anyone that commits it was ostracised from the society and confined to the evil forests,“ Governor Otti said.
Reinforcing his administration’s proactive governance approach, the Governor highlighted ongoing efforts to engage the youth population productively through job creation and empowerment initiatives, noting the dangers of widespread idleness.
“So, some of the things we are doing to keep our people productively engaged, we do that because we understand that If they are not engaged, they will be otherwise engaged.
“And so, it is our responsibility to ensure that jobs are created, to ensure that people are busy doing things that are productive,“ He added.
Earlier, while presenting the bill for assent, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the legislation as a transformative instrument designed to address the rehabilitation needs of victims of rape and gender-based violence, noting that its urgency informed the speed of its passage.
“We have gone through the necessary process that will bring it to this table for assent.
“But importantly, this bill deals with the rehabilitation of victims of rape and other violence.
“And this is why this bill received very speedy passage. So, I am very proud to be associated with the passage, so that something very positive will be started in our State,“ Rt. Hon. Emeruwa stated.
He further called on the executive arm of government to ensure the full operationalization of the law, so that survivors can access the rehabilitation support envisioned by the legislation.
In an emotional reaction, the Wife of the Governor and initiator of the bill, Her Excellency, Priscilla Otti, described the moment as a breakthrough for women and girls across the state, emphasizing that the law provides not just protection, but a pathway to healing and reintegration.
“I am very elated for this coming to fruition. This bill gives hope to our women and girls, a hope that not only would they get support, that they would also be rehabilitated and given the support they need to move forward as normal citizen.
“I am really grateful to everyone that made this possible today, especially the house member, Hon. Chinwendu Roland who sponsored the bill and to the House of Assembly in general that gave this bill speedy hearing and of course to His Excellency, who is a gender loving Governor for always supporting in the fight against Gender-based violence and other crimes against women,“ Mrs. Otti stated.
The high-profile event drew the presence of top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and other senior officials, signaling a united front in the state’s resolve to combat gender-based violence and support survivors.
With this landmark law now in force, Abia State takes a bold step toward institutionalizing compassion, justice, and rehabilitation, laying the foundation for a society where victims are not only prot
ected, but empowered to reclaim their lives.