The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has signed into law the bill that guarantees women’s right to inherit and own property in their father’s family.
The governor in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Onyebuchi Ememanka, on Wednesday, disclosed that the development was in “conformity with international best practice” and also intended to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women” in Abia State.
The law titled, “The Female Persons Right of Inheritance of Property Law 2022,” was sponsored by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedu Orji and passed by the House on 16th November 2022.
According to the statement, Governor Ikpeazu believed it has become “anachronistic” to continue to treat females as second-class citizens, even in their own families.
While signing the law, Ikpeazu appreciated Abia State Assembly for dredging up enough courage to pass the bill, which he described as historic, positively disruptive and capable of setting society on the path of equal opportunities and sustainable development.
This is coming two months after Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike signed a bill which allows women to inherit family property into law.