The Lagos State Office of Public Defender (OPD) has urged Oshodi residents not to cover up rights abuse cases.
Its Director, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, said the agency was prepared to assist victims at no cost and bring the perpetrators to book.
She spoke at the weekend at the Oshodi /Isolo Local Government Secretariat during an awareness campaign/legal clinic organised by the OPD in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
Adeyemi, represented by Mr. Fatai Borokini, said the state was revamping its domestic violence laws to deter would-be perpetrators.
According to her, the OPD is equipped to render the legal services “free of charge to the defenceless.”
She implored the residents to pay their taxes, as it was “through such revenue that the government is funding such important and essential services.”
Adeyemi said people should not give in to gang violence and intimidation, “because this office will stand by the defenceless when their rights are abused. The OPD is also set to fight domestic violence and any form of abuse.
“But the OPD will not be able to solve problems of domestic violence and rights infringement if victims do not come to report their problems. We expect you to visit the nearest OPD office and file a report whenever your rights are violated.
“Even if the matter occurred outside Lagos, the state government will give a referral to the appropriate agencies in such state.”
The council chairman, Mr. Diasi Osho, hailed the government for its efforts at eradicating domestic violence and protecting children and women.
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