Life of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, through her pet project, Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-initiative FEYReP, has facilitated the arrest of seven men who allegedly raped their daughters.
Mrs Emmanuel, who spoke with reporters at her office in Uyo, the state capital, at the weekend, also expressed worry at instances of sodomy.
She said that FeyRep in partnership with the judiciary, police and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) will ensure that perpetrators are convicted.
The governor’s wife said she has mandated her staff to post on the internet the identities of rape convicts in the state for ‘shaming purposes’ in order to deter intending attackers.
“As I speak, we have about seven fathers in police cell awaiting trial for defiling their daughters. These issues trouble my heart a lot and I can assure you that justice must be done,” she said.
“Anytime cases that involve us would be tried in the court, we must be present. That is to tell you how serious it is. The judge will also know that we are very serious.”
Mrs Emmanuel also said that her pet project has secured the conviction of 10 rapists in the past six months.
She said, “I can say authoritatively that in the last six months, we have secured conviction of 10 culprits of rape and other gender-based violence in the state.
“Most of the victims are vulnerable children, poor women, who do not have a voice. I am happy to lend my voice to be their voice, To speak for them any day and anytime.”