Incensed by the wanton rape cases in the country, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has joined in the war against the menace, calling for prompt prosecution of suspected rapists.
In a communique issued at the end of its June meeting, NIPR demanded anybody, including law enforcement agents, who serve as middlemen in pacifying rape victims and their families to accept out-of-court settlements to be treated as accomplices.
The five-point communique signed by Nsemeke Udoakpan, the Chapter chairman; Dr. George Udoh, the Chairman, Communiqué committee, and Blessing Ambrose, member, Communiqué Committee said it was alarmed that reported cases of rape across the country today have become a national burden and reproach.
From the spiritual front, the institute said “We call on the government to interface with our spiritual leaders in the State to come up with strategies on how to provide a spiritual approach to the menace.”
On sex education, it enjoined “parents and institutions to take seriously, the issue of early sex education, indecent dressing, untoward amorous adventures, and inappropriate use of social media. Parents and guardians should endeavor to monitor the preferred social media contents of their wards.
“We propose a formation of government- recognised anti-rape crusaders in every gazetted village. The membership should include village chairmen, youth leaders, women leaders, and able-bodied youths of each community to serve as monitors and defenders. The fight against rape should not be regarded as a feminist movement only, the mobilization of both genders is vital,” NIPR advised.
