By Alltimepost.com
Edo State Government has concluded plans to establish an Office of Public Defender, Governor Adams Oshiomhole announced on Friday.
While addressing members of the State Civil Society Organizations who paid him a visit, Oshiomhole said “I have been concerned about reported cases of people who have been killed under very suspicious circumstances allegedly by law enforcement agencies.
One thing I have promised, in the spirit of this meeting, I would fast track it by next week as to establish the office of public defender within the Ministry of Justice and ensure that the office is not connected to people in government otherwise it would be afflicted by the disease that attack the public service.
“It will be controlled by non-governmental organization, the cost of servicing the office would be borne by government but the officer will hold the office at the pleasure of non-governmental organization. That way, it would be faithful to the NGOs and not the state government.”
The Governor thanked the civil society organizations for helping to raise awareness on human rights, saying “I believe that the NGOs are playing an important role in the socio-economic life of the state.
“We do need to sensitize our people to make contributions to those who have chosen to provide voice for the voiceless. You have a lot to do to encourage people to insist on their rights, economic rights, and political rights.
“Thank you for your contributions to the Internally Displaced Persons Camp. Initially, I was not clear of your contributions but I have made investigations and I am now clear.
‘It’s a genuine camp and we are now ready to provide formal support. We as the heartbeat of the nation will show that we are the most hospitable state in Nigeria by the way we provide for those in need and distress and make them feel welcome. We are working on some things to see how we can build a Primary School there.
On the disabled persons bill, Oshiomhole challenged the NGOs to lobby effectively and persuade the House of Assembly to accelerate the process so that it can be concluded and available for signing into law.
He thanked them for the resolution to dedicate their 5th Anniversary to the memory of his late wife and kind initiative to the family. “I will convey it to my children and their new mother,” Oshiomhole assured.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS) in the state, Comrade Jude Obasanmi said the organization would celebrate its fifth anniversary on October 2, 2015, disclosing that the anniversary has been dedicated to the memory of late Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole.
He urged the governor to constitute the SACA Board to sensitize the people on dangers of the HIV/AIDS.
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