Essential Ndubuisi
Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the Executive Director of Project Alert on Violence Against Women, has strongly urged relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of sexual assault involving the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar.
Effah-Chukwuma issued a statement expressing deep concern over the matter, underscoring the importance of addressing such allegations with utmost seriousness. She emphasized that it is imperative for Nigerians to combat lawlessness and corruption, especially when it comes to safeguarding the welfare of young people within educational institutions.
In her statement, Effah-Chukwuma declared, “Our schools, primary, secondary, and university, should be safe places for our children. Our institutions should not be staging areas for the destruction of our children’s lives.”
The Project Alert executive lamented the distressing prevalence of sexual harassment and misconduct within Nigerian universities, including the University of Calabar. She highlighted the far-reaching consequences of these actions, which not only harm the victims but also compromise the overall quality of education.
Effah-Chukwuma called on educational institutions to treat allegations of sexual harassment seriously, conduct thorough investigations, and hold those responsible accountable. She emphasized the importance of working together to foster a society with zero tolerance for violence of this nature.
The recent incident underscores the urgency of a meticulous investigation into the allegations. Effah-Chukwuma urged the police to promptly apprehend, investigate, and prosecute individuals implicated in these criminal acts, including Prof. Ndifon and any other lecturers involved. She urged the authorities to carry out their investigations meticulously and professionally, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
The executive director expressed a strong stance against impunity, calling for justice to be upheld without any interference. She urged the police to avoid succumbing to any external pressures and instead remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, regardless of any potential attempts to subvert the process.
