Popular Nollywood actress, Stephanie Okereke Linus has finally
spoken up about recent allegations of r*pe leveled against her brother.
She did this through her press team. You can read her release below:
LAGOS, Nigeria (November 24, 2014) – “r*pe is r*pe, Regardless of Who the Face of the Accused is”
I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent
allegation of r*pe 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. r*pe is r*pe,
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, s*xual 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
s*xual 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 r*pe 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 r*pe 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.
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