Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has initiated a bill for the protection of the rights of widows in the State.
Ortom initiatives presented and consequently deliberated during State Executive and was approved as a bill, that is, a law to establish the state widows commission and to prohibit and protect widows from harmful practices as well as exploitations.
“It warned offenders including relations of the victims to stay clear of disturbances arising from the death of bread winners noting in some instances benefit left behind for the widows are been denied after the demise of the husband.
He explained the desire of these administration to enact the law is premised on the fact that there are several ethnic groups in the state with diverse cultural
norms and practices which negatively impact widows upon the death of their husbands .
” These include but not limited to disinheritance from the assets of a deceased husband, banishment from late
husband’s home, being forced to marry a relation of the deceased husband .
Ortom who presided over the sessions viewed that in some cases, a widow is likened to a property of the
deceased to be inherited by his relations. Most often, such widows have children for the deceased and have the task of nurturing the children without any assistance from the relations of the deceased.
According to him In some instances, some are denied their fundamental rights enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
The Governor further recounted that the helpless situation of widows that the compelled him to find measures towards curtailing the menace adding the Bill is to assuage the position of widows as regards inheritance of their late husbands’ assets and to protect and guarantee.
Ortom said the proposed bill is to guarantee fundamental rights for widows as well as obviate the obnoxious cultural practices which deny them the right of inheriting their late husbands’ property amongst others. The Bill seeks to protect widows from both monogamous and polygamous marriages.
” the State Widows Commission envisioned by the proposed law will have the power and responsibility to support, protect and build the capacity of widows in the state whereby they can own their property and inherit the assets of their deceased husbands. Consequently, the widows can fend for themselves
and their children without harassment from any individual or group of persons.
” it shall be the duty of the Commission to, among others, coordinate and monitor the implementation of widows programmes and activities; initiate and support measures which shall enhance the welfare of widows; assist widows by providing support services; create awareness and sensitization of widows on the protection of their rights under a subsisting Widows Protection Law in the State; support international efforts and advocacy to uphold and expand the rights of widows as enshrined in the international laws and conventions; evaluate the impact of the Commission on the plight of widows and make appropriate recommendations to the Benue State Government.
There are also provisions in the Bill which annul repugnant cultural practices, create offences and prescribe punishments for infringement. Among the several sanctions stipulated by the Bill is that someone who subjects a widow to any harmful widowhood practice commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment or a heavy fine as contained in the law. The proposed law similarly provides for compensation to the affected widow or widows, among other measures.
Speaking on the anticipated impact and significance of the Bill, on Saturday in Makurdi, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa said the proposed law affirms Governor Ortom’s proactive disposition of initiating policies and programmes for the welfare and safety of his people.
When (if) passed by the Benue State House of Assembly, the Widows Protection Law would bring to an end one of the age-long negative practices among the people and become a point of reference and emulation in other parts of the country