A lawyer and human rights defender, Olusayo Adeleye on Wednesday condemned the barbaric action of Senator Elisha Aboo, senator representing Adamawa-North Senatorial Districts who publicly assaulted a woman tried to intervene in an altercation he had with another lady, a store owner, while shopping in her store. Describing his action as show of shame.
Adeleye, Executive Director STAND Foundation in a statement made available to PROMPT NEWS in Lagos said the senator behaviour is a demonstration of gross disregard for women and a violation of relevant provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.
According to her, coming from a lawmaker who is supposed to be a respecter of the law and a distinguished ambassador of the hallowed chambers which he represents, this act is utterly distasteful, disgraceful, condemnable and very unbecoming.
“Aboo, at 41 years, is reported to be the youngest Senator in the National Assembly and should be a sterling example for youths in the quest to live up to the ‘Not too young to run’ mantra but his conduct on this occasion is a demonstration that he does not have what it takes to live up to the expectations of the position of leadership which he currently occupies.
“A supposed ambassador of this nation, assaulting a defenceless woman paints a shameful portrait of a nation that has no regard for its women and gives an impression that we are back to the Hobbesian times where life was described as nasty, short and brutish, she said
She added that this happened at a time where there is aggressive advocacy for an end to gender- based violence and other harmful practices against women. “Elisha Aboo’s action is a slap in the face of all women, an injustice to all and wanton disregard for the laws of the land. Gender-based violence is an ill-wind that blows no one any good and it must not be tolerated. We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to order for his immediate arrest and prosecution.
Adeleye, therefore called the Inspector-General of Police to order for his immediate arrest and prosecution.
“Senator Aboo must be made to face the wrath of the law and justice must be manifestly seen to be done in this matter. We also call on the members of Adamawa- North Senatorial Constituency to begin with immediate effect the process of recalling him as the Senator representing their constituency.
“The rights of women are human rights guaranteed by law. They are sacrosanct and must not be violated by anyone, no matter his place or position in the society. Over the years women have had to endure various forms of gender- based violence ranging from physical abuse to sexual, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse with damaging consequences, she said.
This post was written by Debo Omilani.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.