The wife of Ekiti governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, says the campaign against rape is difficult due to the culture of impunity among the perpetrators.
Fayemi reportedly made this known on Thursday at a rally organised against rape by stakeholders.
The event was part of the 16-day programme to campaign against the scourge.
According to her, ”the fact that those perpetrating the act and other evils like child trafficking and all forms of molestation against women have not been punished makes the fight against the social ill looks unattainable,” she said.
She expressed worry over the increasing cases of rape of minors in Ekiti, particularly by ” those who are old enough to be grandfathers.”
The governor’s wife urged the victims to speak up and refuse to die in silence to make rape easier to overcome.
“There are laws in the land that had been promulgated against violence against women, child trafficking and rape . Some people have been convicted through these laws .
“Don’t keep cases of violence against you secret , speak up. Try and learn how to dignify yourself.
” Make sure your families are in peace, don’t die in silence
“As I stand here, I am already tired of marching against rape. It has been difficult to overcome the scourge because of culture of impunity in Nigeria.
” The perpetrators were being emboldened because they suffered no punishment over their wrongdoings.
“We are doing this awareness to let our people understand that there is a penalty for rape.
” We have reviewed the Gender Based Violence Prohibition Law, it has been amended and it now carries life sentence instead of five years jail term.”