Ekiti Speaker, gov’s wife seek effective prosecution of sex offenders

• Say ‘rape epidemic’ must stop
• Don’t drag me into Assembly crisis, Oni warns APC
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Olubunmi Adelugba and wife of the governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, yesterday, enlisted the support of traditional rulers, security agencies, judiciary, media and other stakeholders to reduce Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.

The Speaker and the governor’s wife, who spoke yesterday, at a special plenary held at the Assembly chamber on prevention of GBV, said that the epidemic of rape and other forms of sexual offences must end in Ekiti State.

Adelugba said she was alarmed and concerned that despite a robust legislative and policy intervention in the state, gender-based violence, sexual and domestic violence continued unabated in communities across the state.

She, therefore, called for more vigorous and effective prosecution of sex offenders and other violators of GBV to end the culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice for victims as well as serve as deterrent for the offenders and potential offenders.

Adelugba, who emphasised that GBV represents a crime against individuals, the society and humanity, said that it is a battle that must be won to make Ekiti State safe for women, girl-children and other vulnerable citizens of the state.

Wife of the governor condemned GBV in Ekiti State, warning violators to retrace their steps, adding that the state government is campaigning against it. She said that the high cases of GBV in the state would be addressed to have a sane society.

IN another development, former governor of the state, Chief Segun Oni, yesterday, warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against dragging his name into the crisis rocking the state Assembly that led to the election of two speakers in one week.