Stephanie Linus has released a statement
addressing the rape allegations against her older brother, Daniel Okereke, who
was arrested for allegedly raping a UNILAG student. Read here Like any right thinking
woman, Stephanie is devastated by this. See her statement below..
"Rape is Rape, Regardless of Who
the Face of the Accused is” - Stephanie Linus
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.’
