In a bid to tackle the pervasive issues of sexual abuse, child rape, and illegal migration, Delta State's Ministry of Justice is taking a strong stance. The Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Ministry, Omamuzo Erebe, Esq, has emphasized the critical need for urgent action to curb these rising problems not only in Delta State but also across the entire country.
To address the pressing concerns, the ministry has established two specialized units dedicated to prosecuting offenders involved in sexual abuse and illegal migration. Erebe also affirmed the ministry's commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in order to combat these menaces effectively. He specifically called upon the Delta State Orientation Bureau (DSOB) to intensify its efforts in launching result-oriented strategic campaigns to reorient the mindset of citizens, particularly the youth, regarding the dangers associated with these social vices.
Erebe made these assertions during a courtesy visit by Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Orientation Bureau and Executive Assistant on Communications to the Delta State Governor. The Solicitor-General expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in cases of child sexual abuse, rape, and defilement. Shockingly, some biological fathers, who should protect their own daughters and instill moral values in them, are involved in these acts of child rape. The ministry is currently handling multifaceted criminal cases related to child sexual abuse, defilement, illegal human trafficking, and forced labor.
Erebe assured that under the MORE agenda of Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the state government is committed to implementing reforms and policies that will effectively address these issues. He urged stakeholders at the local, state, national, and international levels to collaborate with the State government through the Orientation Bureau to raise massive awareness about the dangers and legal repercussions of human trafficking, rape, and narcotics usage across all three senatorial districts.
The Permanent Secretary praised the management and staff of the State Orientation Bureau, particularly highlighting the new CEO, Dr. Oghenesivbe, as an outstanding communication strategist and a strong advocate of the Governor's MORE Agenda. With Dr. Oghenesivbe at the helm of the Bureau, Erebe expressed confidence that significant progress would be achieved in the areas of effective sensitization and impactful media campaigns against drug abuse, rape, and illegal migration in the state.
During the meeting, Erebe emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Delta State Orientation Bureau and the Ministry of Justice to combat child defilement, rape, drug abuse, and illegal migration. As the Bureau raises awareness among the people, the ministry will continue to prosecute offenders and ensure they are kept away from responsible citizens. Erebe emphasized that these criminals and social deviants should not be allowed to live among law-abiding citizens.
Erebe shared the distressing fact that there have been cases where biological fathers have defiled and raped their own young daughters, some as young as five to ten years old. He deemed this situation deeply saddening. With the establishment of the two special units to address illegal migration and sexual abuse, Erebe stressed the importance of collective efforts in the fight against drug abuse, illegal migration, rape, and sexual abuse. He made it clear that rapists can no longer escape the amended laws.
Erebe took the opportunity to express his gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for nominating a legal icon and learned silk, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Delta State. He expressed the Ministry's delight with this appointment.
Dr. Oghenesivbe, during his visit, informed the Permanent Secretary that he intended to familiarize himself with the ministry's team and draw attention to certain non-governmental organizations engaging in drug abuse campaigns and other activities in the state without collaborating with the State Orientation Bureau. He emphasized that the Bureau is responsible for spearheading campaigns and reorientation programs.
Oghenesivbe assured Erebe that the Delta State Orientation Bureau is willing and ready to partner with any Ministry, Department, Agency, or NGO. However, he noted that it would be inappropriate for the Bureau not to be involved in any campaign or sensitization program within Delta State. He commended the Solicitor-General for the significant successes achieved by the State Ministry of Justice in prosecuting cases related to illegal migration, rape, child defilements, and other criminal matters.
Oghenesivbe stated that the MORE agenda of the Delta State Governor resonates strongly with the youth, and the campaigns and sensitization programs of the Delta State Orientation Bureau will also target the youth across all three senatorial districts. He expressed the importance of visiting the ministry to tap into their wealth of experience and expertise, as the Bureau's management staff aims to collaborate with them effectively.
Heads of various legal units within the Delta State Ministry of Justice, along with the management staff ofDelta State Orientation Bureau, were present during the courtesy visit.
