Gender abuse: Gov. Otti’s wife, Priscilla visits survivor; vows to invoke relevant laws against perpetrators.

By Editor, Umuahia

Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of Abia state governor, Alex Otti has assured of the state government’s commitment in the fight against gender based abuse.

She said anyone found guilty of gender based violence will be brought to book as no such crime will be tolerated in the state under the present administration.

“Justice will be served, and no such crime will go unpunished under this administration,” she said.

Mrs. Otti who stated these when she visited the lady who survived a recent violent abuse by her husband at Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North local government area, said she wanted to make sure the later’s condition was improving.

While assuring that government will apply all legal means to handling the matter, she said that the perpetrators or currently facing the wrath of the law.

“Abia State will be a hostile environment for anyone involved in gender-based violence, particularly against women and children,” she said.

She assured of the government’s readiness to assist her get back on her feet.

Amarachi Lawrence a few weeks ago was lying helpless at the federal medical centre in Umuahia after she sustained injuries in her eyes, private part and other parts of her body in what seemed like machete cuts allegedly from her husband.

The husband is currently in the custody of the police but wife of the governor has said that he will not go scot free for his alleged actions.

Mrs. Lawrence who miraculously survived the attack with her sight restored thanked the governor’s wife for being “my pillar of support,” since her predicament.

Mrs. Otti equally enjoined the traditional ruler of Emede autonomous community, HRM, Eze Allen Okpokiri, who played host to her and entourage and is incidentally Amarachi’s uncle to use his position to ensure no such act happens in his domain.

She assured that government was committed to assisting Amarachi find sustainable means of livelihood and pledged support to enable her start up a business.

According to her, a committee in charge of protecting vulnerable groups is being reinforced, with a renewed focus on ensuring swift justice for perpetrators reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens, adding that efforts to train law enforcement officers to handle such cases with sensitivity and urgency were being made a priority to ensure swift delivery of justice.

For the survivor, Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence, it was an expression of gratitude to the wife of the governor for the care and attention given to her since her predicament.

She appreciated Mrs. Otti for following up on her recovery journey and settling her hospital bills saying, “You have been my pillar of support. May God continue to bless and guide you.”

Those in the entourage of the wife of the governor, Dr. Mrs. Betty Obasi, Administrator Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau (IHMB), Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, Special Assistant on Women Mobilization, Mrs. Chinwe Kanu, and the Special Assistant on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu all thanked the wife of the Governor for her unwavering support for victims of gender-based violence.

They commended her commitment to championing the rights of the vulnerable, particularly her timely interventions and sustained care for those affected.

In his response, the Edeukwu II of Emede autonomous community, HRM Eze Allen Okpokiri, thanked Mrs. Otti, highlighting that her visit was a testament to the compassionate leadership in Abia State.

“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.

He said those have influenced the mood of the masses in the state.