By Kemi Olatunde

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FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch has  condemned in strong terms possible, all forms of gender-based violence against women, particularly women in politics.

This was contained in a press release on state  assault and injury on the Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Juliannah Osadahun,  which was signed by its State Chairperson, Mrs. Jumoke Ogunjebi and Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Bolanle Olafunmiloye and made available to The Hope on Tuesday.

It described the act as vile and an ugly menace that must be eradicated  from society at large, stating that women have equal rights as men and as such, they must not be  intimidated or humiliated when they choose to serve in political offices.

It reads; “FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch totally condemns the alleged assault and inflicting of bodily injuries on Dr. (Mrs) Juliana Osadahun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State by her assailant identified as one Olumide Awolumate, the Ward Chairman of Arigidi Iye Ward 1 of Akoko North-West  Local Government Area of Ondo State as reported by the victim and on various news platforms.

“The victim was on official duty and in her home community during this assault.

“It is alarming that political violence on women particularly by some of their male counterparts has assumed a perilously critical dimension, constituting a horrifying kind of violence targeted at violating the fundamental human rights of a person.

“These acts have been criminalized by the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2021 of Ondo State. Being that the state and all persons of goodwill are under a duty to give effect to these statutory provisions against all forms of violence, including desisting from aiding and/or abetting of same in any manner or to any degree, FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch hereby unequivocally condemn the alleged assault and injury on the person of Dr. (Mrs) Julianna Osadahun.”

The group expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Command of Nigeria Police Force for swinging into action and implored the force to fully investigate the crime and hold those responsible accountable for their actions urging community leaders at Arigidi-Akoko and residents to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.

It assured that the group will not hesitate to proceed against all persons or individuals who support acts of violence.

The group called on the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,  State Chairman of the APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin and all Civil Society Organisations to step up their game in order to eradicate all forms of GBV in the State.