Gov. Dickson signs Bayelsa’s Widows Protection Bill into law

Bayelsa on Wednesday outlawed harmful traditional practices as Gov. Seriake Dickson signed into law the Widows and Widowers Protection Bill into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that this brings to 50 the number of bills signed into law by the present administration from February 2012 till date.

Dickson explained that the law was designed to offer protection to the vulnerable groups in the society, especially widows.

Dickson commended Mrs Agatha Goma, a member of Bayelsa House of Assembly, who sponsored the bill.
“The widows and widowers law of our state deals with a lot of negative cultural practices, particularly those affecting the womenfolk in our society.

“I like to appreciate the contributions of the member who sponsored this bill, our dear sister and colleague, Hon. Agatha Goma.

“We need to protect women more particularly women who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances.

“We all know that sometimes our cultural practices are not friendly to widows who lost their husbands and breadwinners.

“And this bill has stepped in to offer some protection,” Dickson said.
He also called on the assembly to urgently pass the Child’s Rights Bill before the end of the 7th legislative assembly.
The Speaker, Mr Konbowei Benson, who also spoke said the bill was given prompt legislative attention.

According to him, the bill was sent to the house on July 8, 2014 and passed on May 5, 2015.