Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has vowed that manhandling of women in any guise will no longer be condoned in the state.
He said no responsible man should beat a woman or manhandle or brutalise her for whatever reason, adding that it was unlawful for any policeman to raise his hand against a woman.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Idowu Adelusi, Fayose made the vow during an interview shortly before the commencement of the state’s “Meet Your Governor” programme, March edition, on Sunday night.
Responding to a question from journalists, the governor said he heard about the nursing mother, Mrs Toyin Adeyeye, who was allegedly brutalized by a policeman at a checkpoint in the state capital on Friday, adding that he was actually coming from a meeting with the state commissioner of police over the matter.
“It is highly irresponsible for any man to brutalise a woman for any reason. The law that forbids violence against women is still operative in this state. And I can never allow any form of brutality of women under my watch as governor in Ekiti State. Women are even described as the weaker vessel. As such even if you marry her, does that deny her of her rights?
“It is particularly sad that such a report was coming barely week after we celebrated International Women’s Day in an unprecedented style in this state. I have already ordered investigation into the matter. Anybody found culpable in the case will face the court of law.
“I am also using this opportunity to sound a note of warning to policemen who take people’s vehicle particulars, put them under their armpits and demand for bribe. Such cannot be allowed any longer in Ekiti State.
“We will get to the root of the matter and make justice to prevail,” he said.
Packaged by Temitope Eluyefa
