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| Stephanie |
SHOWBIZPLUSng brings you the official statement issued by Nollywood star, Stephanie Okereke-Linus on the alleged rape scandal involving her brother.
" 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, it is
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."
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