Politics
KAFAYAT Oyetola, Wife of Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, on Wednesday urged the state House of Assembly to tackle the issue of stigmatisation of rape victims by encouraging them to speak out.
Oyetola was at the Assembly to solicit the support of the lawmakers in stopping the escalating rape incidences in the state.
The governor’s wife said in spite of various laws to tackle sex and sexual violence in the state, it was unfortunate that sexual violence was still prevalent in the state.
She said many rape cases in the state were reported in communities known for great things, adding that those elements responsible for the dastardly acts were bringing disrepute to an image of the communities, towns, and state in general.
“We should not allow rape and sexual violence cases to assume an uncontrollable situation, especially in our state.
“This is because, we do not know who will be next, and this is the reason behind my coming to the assembly today.
“I am aware that lawmakers hold regular meetings at their constituents; this is one avenue that you can help us to sensitise the people that they should not continue to die in silence.
“Let us begin the help by taking awareness to our constituencies and speak clearly and unambiguously against rape, and let us urge victims to promptly report,” the governor’s wife said.
Oyetola said people could such an incident to her pet project, “IleriOluwa Development Initiative” for prompt action.
She said that the initiative phone lines were available 24 hours, urging people to report rape cases “when they see it, hear it or are victims”.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, commended the governor’s wife for her initiative and campaign against rape in the state.
Owoeye said that the assembly had already passed an Anti-rape Law since 2002, which stipulates 14 years imprisonment for attempted rape and life imprisonment for convicted rapists.
He, however, said all the existing laws on rape, sexual violence, and gender-based violence would be reviewed by lawmakers.
The speaker said that a Bill would soon be passed, which would lead to the establishment of a special court to handle rape and sexual violence-related cases.
The lawmakers, before entertaining the governor’s wife, passed the Osun Public Procurement Amendment Bill, 2020, pending before it, after it was read for the third time.
The speaker said it would become law as soon as the governor assented to it. (NAN)
– Jun. 25, 2020 @ 11:05 GMT |
Tags: Oyetola’s wife urges Osun lawmakers to tackle stigmatisation of rape victims
