13/12/2022
EKITI SPEAKER CANVASSES MORE EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION OF S*X OFFENDERS
Says 'R**e Epidemic' Must Stop in Ekiti
The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, had enlisted the support of traditional rulers, security agencies, judiciary, media and other stakeholders to reduce Gender-Based Violence in the state.
Speaking on Monday at a Special Plenary Session held by the Assembly on Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, the Speaker insisted that the epidemic of r**e and other forms of s*xual offences must end in Ekiti State.
The special plenary session was attended and chaired by the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Rt. Hon. Adelugba said she was alarmed and concerned that despite a robust legislative and policy intervention in the state, Gender-Based Violence, s*xual and domestic violence appear to continue unabated in across communities in the state.
She called for more vigorous and effective prosecution of s*x offenders and other violators of Gender-Based Violence to end the culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice for the victims and deterrent for the offenders and potential offenders.
The Speaker noted that the Assembly has representatives from all the twenty six (26) constituencies in the state, noting that the parley would made honourable members to take the message home to their constituents on the existence of laws and penalties against Gender-Based Violence.
Rt Hon Adelugba disclosed that the Assembly has enacted laws like Gender Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019, Sexual Violence Against Children (Compulsory Treatment and Care) Law 2020 and Child Rights Law 2012, among others as legislations aimed at fighting the scourge to a stand still.
Statements from the three Senatorial districts were delivered at the special Session by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Hakeem Jamiu, Hon Teju Okuyiga, and Hon Akin Oso.