Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday recommended minimum sentence of 25 years for rapists, saying rape should not be met with light sentencing. Ambode made the recommendation during a symbolic walk against domestic and sexual violence at Alausa.
“It is highly recommended. We need new laws which will respond adequately to the nature and occurrences of 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,” he said.
Ambode urged the Nigeria Police Force, which was usually the first point of call, to strive to be more professional and ensure proper investigation of reported cases by grooming specialist officers in that regard.
“As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is now.
“We firmly believe that the actions we take today will be the seeds sown for a brighter future for our women and indeed, our children.
“We believe our state can continue to pioneer in this agenda and become a benchmark not just in Nigeria, but globally,” he said.
The governor said that a lot of progress had been made in protecting the rights of women and the girl-child, and against “oppression of the female gender’’, there was still so much to be done. Read more