Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of Abia State Governor, has vowed to leverage her position to pursue and secure justice for all victims of gender-based violence in the state. She emphasized her commitment to addressing this pressing issue, particularly focusing on the protection of women and children.
A Visit to a Survivor
Her pledge follows a visit to Mrs. Amarachi Okpokiri, a victim who narrowly escaped a brutal assault by her husband, who allegedly attempted to pluck out her eyes for ritual purposes while she was asleep. This was Mrs. Otti’s second visit to Amarachi, held at the palace of HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, Amarachi’s uncle.
During her visit, Mrs. Otti expressed gratitude for Amarachi’s miraculous recovery, particularly regarding her sight. She assured the victim and the community that the suspect would face the full consequences of his actions. “The perpetrators of this violent act are facing the full force of the law,” she asserted, reiterating the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward gender-based violence.
“Justice will be served, and no such crime will go unpunished under this administration,” Mrs. Otti promised.
Commitment to Combat Gender-Based Violence
Mrs. Otti highlighted the Abia State Government’s commitment to combating gender-based violence, noting that the committee responsible for protecting vulnerable groups is being reinforced. She emphasized the need for swift justice against offenders, declaring that Abia State would become a hostile environment for anyone involved in gender-based violence.
To combat this scourge, Mrs. Otti outlined several strategies she has implemented, including:
- Increased public awareness campaigns
- Establishment of more safe houses for victims
- Provision of legal and psychological support for survivors
She also stressed the importance of community engagement, urging traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society organizations to collaborate in reporting cases and preventing abuse at the grassroots level.
Mrs. Otti emphasized the prioritization of training law enforcement officers to handle such cases with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring that justice is served promptly.
Supporting the Victim’s Recovery
The Governor’s wife visited Amarachi to assess her condition and explore further avenues for her rehabilitation. She pledged her support to help Amarachi regain stability in her life.
In response, Amarachi expressed her gratitude to the First Lady for her ongoing care and intervention, recalling how Mrs. Otti covered her medical bills at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia and continuously monitored her recovery. “You have been my pillar of support. May God continue to bless and guide you,” she sobbed.
Community Support and Acknowledgment
Mrs. Betty Emeka-Obasi, an eye specialist and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Special Duties, commended Mrs. Otti for her intervention and her unwavering support for victims of gender-based violence in the state.
Amarachi’s uncle, Eze Okpokiri, also thanked the First Lady and her husband for their intervention, stating, “Your actions today demonstrate that the right government is in power. The righteous are in leadership, and it is evident through your commitment to justice, compassion, and service. The people are rejoicing because they see the care and dedication you bring.”
Conclusion
Mrs. Priscilla Otti’s proactive stance on addressing gender-based violence reflects a significant commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in Abia State, promising a more supportive environment for victims seeking justice and rehabilitation.