The
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Thursday plenary, proposed a free medical
and compulsory health care for rape victims in the State.
The
house made the proposal following a bill presented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt.
Hon. Felicia Bassey.
Buttressing
her points, Hon. Bassey, said the bill when passed will facilitate access to
medical services by rape victims and also aid in the validation of rape cases.
She
added that the free medical treatment proposed in the bill will encourage rape
victims to speak up and seek needed help, as it will be easy for victims to
make security reports at the police station.
In
their separate contributions, the legislators spoke in favour of the bill as it
will help to curb cases of false accusation.
Speaking,
the leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian said the law will help to tackle
the issue of false accusation as the medical reports will help to verify truth
amongst parties involved.
The
member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko
maintained that the issue of false accusation cannot be underated in rape cases
and as such, medical verification is necessary to ascertain such incidents.
Ukanafun
lawmaker, Dr. Charity Ido added that with the law in existence, the Act Against
Sexual Violence will be strengthened as it will enable victims access medical
care and facilitate evidence for police report.
She
was also of the view that the law will promote sensitization of the masses and
the fear of accessing medical services reduced.
According
to members’ contributions, the medical reports of victims aided by the free
medical treatment and care proposed in the bill will enhance speedy delivery of
justice on rape cases.
However,
the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey committed the bill to the joint committee
on Women Affairs and Social Welfare and Health for consideration and to report
to the House within one month.
Other
matters considered by the House include a bill on Akwa Ibom State Fiscal
Responsibility, 2020 sponsored by Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh of Ikot Abasi/Eastern
Obolo which passed through a second reading and committed to the House
Committee on Appropriation and Finance to Report to the House within a month.
