Akwa Ibom Governor’s Wife Reads Riot Act to Rapists

Okon Bassey in Uyo 

Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor and Chairperson of the State’s Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, has warned that henceforth the state would nòt taķe it kìndly with rapists, paedophiles, and abusers, as it will not be business as usual. 

She also called on all hands to be on deck in the quest to rid the state of all forms of gender-based violence. 

The governor’s wife gave the warning Saturday in Uyo, during the flag-off of the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in the State. 

She frowned against rape and molestation saying, those crimes must not be treated with kid gloves.

According to her, anyone found to be a rapist or shielding rapists and paedophiles would be made to face the full wrath of the law. 

“I am here today as the Chairperson of this Committee to flag off this 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in the State. Henceforth, it will not be business as usual. 

“I am calling on our men to support this advocacy by saying no to rape and all forms of abuse against women and the girl-child. Let’s put a stop to this menace,” she said. 

She charged parents not to cave 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. 

The Governor’s Wife noted that the ’16 Days Activism’ was an advocacy targeted at raising awareness on the alarming rate of rape and abuse in society, saying,  “No one should feign ignorance when the law catches up with him or her.” 

The Secretary of the GBV Committee, Barrister Emem Etteh stated that the flag-off walk for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a demonstration against GBV in the state and the world. 

“Akwa Ibom State has always been in the front line against perpetrators of rape and will not relent to be a voice against GBV”, she said.