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Actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus has reacted to the alleged rape
incident involving his brother, Prince Daniel Okereke as reported by
Vanguard Newspaper over the weekend.
I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent allegation of
rape brought against a relative of mine, Daniel Okereke (my brother).
While it is a very difficult time for me, and my family; I feel the
need to make clear my position, lest there be any doubt. Rape is rape,
regardless of who the face of the accused is.
Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my lifelong career
advocating and living my conviction that women around the world should
be able to live free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of
abuse against their persons. This conviction led me to be involved in
numerous initiatives combating violence against women in several
countries including the U.S, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The conviction also led me to place much of my energy on my work with
Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a passion that dates back to my time at
the University of Calabar.
As a student, I heard a story about young girls who had been forced
into early marriage and were suffering the negative and embarrassing
effects of VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove me, for
years, to seek ways to raise awareness on the condition; leading to my
work with a team of dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries
for VVF victims across the country; and my self-produced, soon to be
released movie, 'DRY.'
So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with
news alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of
sexual violence against a woman. I am devastated.
This case is now in Nigeria's criminal justice system as the accused
awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and assured the alleged
victim of my stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery to
upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference
and patiently wait for the criminal justice system to determine the
guilt or innocence of my brother.
For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please report this case
in an ethical manner. I am a married woman living my life. The alleged
transgression of my relative does not make it mine. The focus should
be the impact of rape on the alleged victim, and resources for other
alleged victims, not me.
Some members of the press and blogs have turned me into the accuser;
using my name for sensational headlines and putting my images,
exclusively, in their stories. This is a form of victimization of me
as a woman, its unethical and extremely hurtful. I am not the alleged
accused.
I therefore please ask all bloggers and the media who have placed my
pictures and name to this story to refrain from further using me to
sensationalise this story.
I thank my fans and all well-wishers for your continued support and
ask for your continued prayers.
God bless.
Credit: vanguard
