By: David Peter

The Cross River State acting Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Maurice Odey Eneji, had today received in audience at the Calabar High Court, Government officials and SDGs Advocate on Rape and Gender Based Violence.

The courtesy visit had in attendance; Blessing Ekpo, SA on Gender and Development; Mr Ekeng Edet, SA on Community Matters South; Blessing Nkom, SA on Girl Child CRS; Mr Bassey Ibiang, SDGs Advocate on Rape and Gender Based Violence.

Speaking during the courtesy visit, the SA on Gender and Development, Blessing Ekpo stated that, Rape and gender based violence case’s has outnumbered in the State adding that, the inability of the Court to sit as a result of the pandemic, corona virus has hampered the office avowed commitment to swiftly combat the scourge of the ravaging rape incidence in the State.

Blessing Ekpo, further expressed that, The Office of Gender and Development daily receives assload of cases on rape, child abuse and domestic violence matters, pleading that, there is need for a special court to handle such cases when appears.

In her words, she said: “I have constantly met brick walls in order to dispense justice. “I humbly request your Lordship Sir, you grant our esteem office a special Court to handle such matter when arises as needed urgently.”

Responding, the acting Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Eneji, frowned at the outnumbered rape cases and domestic violence issue’s.

He stated that Rape and gender-based violence has become a great matter of concern and he is deeply worried, furious and vexed by the many reports of the rape and gender violence across the State.

“It is a matter that concerns me, the whole Judiciary of Cross River State, Nigeria and the world at large. So, we will deal it.” He said.

He can however, assured to, “look inward starting with Calabar and endeavor in the course of time, to designate a special Court in vicinity to handle rape and gender based violence cases across the State.

Adding that, henceforth, any new rape and gender based violence cases will be channel to the Court so as to stamped out this menace.” Justice Eneji, assured.

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