Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has warned that his administration would punish offenders of violence against Women, especially rape, girl/ child abuse and other domestic violence.
The governor handed down the warning during the commencement of the “16 days activism campaign” to end violence against women and abuse of the girl/ child held in Lokoja on Friday.
The campaign which is organised by the office of the first lady, admonished men to contribute to safe and secure environments for women and the girl child to thrive in the society.
Governor Bello said his administration has also promised to redouble its efforts to effectively educate the girl child against abuses in his second term, stating that he will ensure the passage of the ‘Gender Equality’ bill into law as soon as the second term commences.
According to him, “gender equality will allow women and men, and girls and boys, enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities and protections.”
The Governor said though, Gender Equality can’t be achieved without eliminating harmful practices against women and girls, including sex, sexual violence and other oppression tactics that women are sometimes confronted”, and urged the general public to rise up against such practices in the society.
Governor Bello who condemned Gender-base violence, and the molestation of the girl child as taboo, that should be abhorred by all well meaning individuals and therefore assured that his administration will do what is required within the law to discourage such abuses .
“I give my solidarity and support in the fight against the ills towards the female gender. My wife’s office and the women affairs ministry are available to receive complaints, my administration will not only protect the interest of women folk in our society, by initiating programmes and implementing favourable policies only, but we will also ensure anyone caught is brought to justices,” he said
The governor advised children to always speak up when faced with any act of molestation.
“All my female appointees are advocates of this fight. My daughters, stay safe always, don’t keep silent when molested. Stay away from people who molest you. Stay away from and also report to your parents to inform the law enforcement agencies for prosecution, he maintained
