Why judiciary must fast-track rape cases– Mrs. Akeredolu

By Mary Agidi
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Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has called on the judiciary to fast-track rape cases and enforce necessary punishment on the perpetrators in order to serve as deterrent to other randy men.

Akeredolu made the call during a ‘Walk Against Rape’ carried out across the length and breadth of the state on her directive.

Mrs. Akeredolu who led the Walk in Akure, the state capital, as part of the advocacy strategies to combat the menace, called for a stiffer penalty for the perpetrators of such act, saying enough is enough.

The ‘Walk Against Rape’ which took off at the palace of the Deji of Akure kingdom featured representatives of women associations, law enforcement agencies, political office holders, school children, and passionate individuals holding placards with several inscriptions about rape.

Arabinrin Akeredolu who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, noted that the Walk is being done across the 18 local government areas of the state simultaneously.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, “No mercy for Rapist; Rape and Rot in jail; Judiciary, fast-track Rape cases, delay adds salt to injury; stop sexual abuse of minors; do not hide rapists, speak out” among others.

Deji of Akure kingdom, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, addressing the participants in his palace, assured of his support in the fight against rapists through traditional method.

He noted that any suspected perpetrator should be brought to his palace to drink traditional oath water before being handed over to the security agents.

He, therefore appreciated the steps taken by Mrs. Akeredolu towards protecting underage girls against sexual abuse in the state.

The only female lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Favour Tomomewo, said that the time to enforce anti-rape law is now, saying there is no more mercy for rapists.

The Special Assistant to Mrs. Akeredolu on Media, Miss Tobi Fademi, urged journalists to use their professional tools in fighting the menace in the society, by propagating information about rape and the punishment attached.

Personalities who coordinated the Walk which had female Political officials, in attendance included including the Special Assistants to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Henry Akingbemile, on Gender, Research and documentation Mrs. Tope Daniyan, on online media, Mr. Rowland Ihedioghara, and the Personal Assistant to Mrs. Akeredolu, Mrs. Elizabeth Akpan.