Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Center,Port Harcourt condemns in very strong terms, the exposed abuse and torture of asalesgirl by a serving senator who was in her shop to buy sex toys with somegirls. The unwholesome display of lack of self-control and lack of respect forthe office of the Senate and women.
The video of the shameful display by Elisha Abbo speaksvolumes on his unworthiness as a representative of the people in such high rankmaking him a symbol of shame and dishonor to the Nigerian government, alreadystruggling with issues of gross human rights violations.
The world holds in serious contempt people whocannot comport themselves especially in public as well as those without respectfor women or rule of law. A country like Nigeria where, women and girls aredaily being molested and violated at home, in schools, campuses, markets,farms, offices, roads, everywhere, needs in its decision making apparatus likethe National Assembly, men and women who recognize and respect the fact thatall human beings are created equal rights, who understand that being highly placed does not mean the lowerplaced is to be treated without respect.
Under the Universal Human Rights principles, your right ends where the right of the otherbegins and Senator Abbo has by his act, not only violated the rights of thedefenseless sales girl, but also shown open disdain for, and disrespect for allNigerian women and girls, painting Nigeria as a gender insensitive nation.
Though the senator is flashing an apology, factsbeing pushed forward that he abused and abandoned his late wife and a photojournalistic that joined him on an election campaign mission, indicate thatthis man is a serial offender.
By his open act of shame, he has joined the ranks ofmen like the former Delta State governor’s aide now languishing in prison who,feeling too high to be challenged by amere lady, resorted to dehumanizing her.
In the spirit of the terms of the UNSCR 1325 whichadvocates mandatory protection of women and girls, the UN Convention on theElimination of all Forms of Discrimination against women, CEDAW and theViolence Against Persons Prohibition Act,all women and gender related organisations must rise up to condemn and demandfull prosecution of Senator Abbo in line with these instrument, for crossingthe boundary of gender abuse. For being an abuser instead of a protector ofwomen and girls.
We demand his suspension from the NASS until justiceis done and challenge the Inspector General of police and the judiciary toensure justice prevails.
Signed:
EmemOkon
ExecutiveDirector
#NoTo Gender Based Abuse
#ViolenceAgainst Women And Girls
#Gender And Accountability
#Kebetkachewomen
