Ambode Advocates 25 Years Jail Term For Rape And Other Forms Of Domestic Violence

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday advocated 25 years jail sentence for rapists and perpetrators of other forms of domestic violence as an aggressive measure towards curbing those crisis.

Governor Ambode stated this while leading a symbolic enlightenment walk against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Alausa, Ikeja. He said it was time for all Nigerians to join hands together towards ensuring that the rights of every Nigerian citizen especially vulnerable ones were safeguarded.

The Governor, donning a red T-shirt with inscriptions like “I Say No To Rape,’ ‘Stop Domestic Violence’, among others said the 25 years jail term for rapists was a step towards effecting the amendment of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law 2007 and also as a strict punitive measure that would serve as a deterrent to intending perpetrators of such acts.

“Rape should not be met with light sentencing; the minimum sentence of 25 years is highly recommended. We need laws which will respond adequately to the nature and occurrence rate of this crime in this era.

“Domestic Violence is a crime and should be treated as such. The Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, 2007, should therefore be amended accordingly,” Ambode stressed.

He said the state had in the last couple of years, made tremendous progress in the war against the oppression of the female gender, noting that the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Squad had executed several interventions and initiatives aimed at ensuring that victims of such acts were adequately catered for.

He added that although a lot of progress had also been achieved towards protecting the rights of women and the child, his administration would not rest on its oars until the menace was totally eradicated.

Among those who walked with him were other top government functionaries including the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Commissioner of Police in the state, Imohimi Edgal, the Attorney General of the state, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem among others.