The Sustainable Gender Action Initiative has condemned weekend’s attack on the the person of Dr Olubunmi Osadahun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ondo State.
The group, in a statement issued by its Executive director, Mufuliat Fijabi, said the act of violence perpetrated by a ward Chairman, Olumide Awolumate, of the All Progressive Congress in Arigidi, in Akoko North West, over palliatives, reiterates the negative impact of patriarchy and absolute lack of respect for her person and the office she holds.
“This totally unacceptable act is no doubt a reflection of gender based violence that is
prevalent across the country which calls for an absolute condemnation by all,” the statement said. “Women and girls deserve respect and dignity. This is despite all the international and regional commitments that Nigeria has made as well as the adoption of the Violence Against
Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act in 2015.
“The Ondo State Government has also
domesticated the VAPP Act in 2021.
“While the video clip displaying violent attack on the Honorable Commissioner has gone viral, SGAI wishes to state categorically, that expedited action on investigation and prosecution will contribute significantly to setting a good precedence that will deter others who are currently engaged in acts of violence against persons publicly and
privately.”
