Wife of Abia State governor, Pricilla Otti has assured that there will no longer be room for gender based violence (GBV) in the state, warning the perpetrators of dare consequences if apprehended.
Mrs Otti stated this at the palace of HRH Allen Okpokiri, Emede Ibeku, Umuahia, the state capital, where she visited a housewife, Amarachi Okpokiri, whose husband had allegedly attempted to pluck her eyes early last month.
She said her office, in partnership with the security agencies, civil society organisations, religious bodies, and the state government have taken many robust measures including public awareness campaign to end the menace.
Her words: “As these measures are manifesting, the state is rapidly becoming a hostile and unfriendly environment for anyone or groups involved in gender based violence, particularly against women, girl-child, and children in general.”
Presenting an undisclosed sum of money to continue her treatment, she reassured her of the government’s commitment to her full recovery and expressed delight that she was recovering her vision.
While visiting Amarachi, a niece of the monarch at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where she had been admitted for treatment, the state first lady had expressed dismay over the attempt and sought justice for her.
In a remark, the monarch, who is Ede Ukwu II of Emede Ancient Kingdom, lauded Mrs Otti for her compassion for Amarachi, and her husband, Alex Otti for his developmental strides in the state.
“I have seen that God chose Governor Alex Otti and his wife for good purpose. Honestly, from the medical report we were presented, we thought Amarachi had lost her vision completely, but God did otherwise,” he added.
Earlier, in a speech, the administrator of Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau and special assistant to the governor on special duties, Betty Emeka-Obasi, described Amarachi’s recovery as miraculous, adding that it defied human understanding.
Similarly, the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Protection, Blessing Felix, expressed delight for Amarachi’s recovery and lauded Mrs Otti for her commitment to end gender based violence in the state.
In a response, Amarachi, who is a teacher with a private school in the capital, appreciated God for restoring her vision “after the horrible experience” and Mrs Otti for her timely intervention.
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