ETIM EFFIONG
The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr Martha Udom Emmanuel, has said that she would not only prosecute rapists, paedophiles, or abusers but will also prosecute all the persons shielding them.
According to her, every resident of the state must work cooperatively to rid the state of all forms of violence against humanity.
Emmanuel, who is the chairperson of the State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, frowned at parents who try to shield abusers of their children.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Uyo on the theme: “Orange, the World – End Violence Against Women Now,” the First Lady maintained that rapists and paedophiles would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
She charged parents not to give in when being pressured, but rather to demand and stand for justice, averring that the state government through the GBV management committee has put in place measures to curb the ugly trend.
“I am sending this warning to all parents, especially mothers in the state, not to shield any rapist or paedophile who has abused a young child. We have had cases in the past where mothers are pressured to withdraw their cases halfway. Henceforth, if you do that, you will go in for it. We will ensure that we put you behind bars in place of the suspect,” she said.
Speaking further, Emmanuel added that the ’16 Days Activism’ would be cascaded to the 10 federal constituencies of the state for optimal results, stating that no one should feign ignorance when the law catches up with him or her.
Emmanuel thanked the Nigeria Police Force for the remarkable work done in arresting suspects, and as well appreciated the Judiciary for the expedition of justice, stating that scores of persons have been prosecuted.
Delivering a keynote address on the topic: “Establishing Special Courts for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: A Panacea for Ending Violence Against Persons”, Dr Idorenyin Eyo of the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo, noted that the ceremony signifies the battle, not just for the soul of Akwa Ibom State, but a battle for the soul of humanity.
While identifying SGBV to include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, psychological abuse and economic or educational deprivation, she added that the ’16 Days Activism’ is not only timely but very needful as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is a hydra-headed multi-generational monster.
The event which featured a panel of discussion from key players in the sector, had young school children, female youths, traditional leaders, religious leaders, women groups, and civil society organisations all in attendance.