The Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has warned that from henceforth, female genital mutilation (FGM) will attract imprisonment.
Rochas Okorocha affirmed that as soon as the bill against FGM is passed into law by the State House of Assembly, punishment for offenders might run into several years of imprisonment.
The Governor gave this hint at the launch of the campaign against FGM , initiated by his wife, Nkechi, in collaboration with United Nations Fund for Population Agency (UNFPA), described the practice as barbaric and unacceptable.
“Barbaric cultures, which are not beneficial to the people, should be abolished.” said the Governor
The governor urged the House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the bill to enable his administration proffer a permanent solution to the problem.
Mrs Okorocha, who led the awareness match with over 500 female students and women against the practice, said Imo State women had vowed to end FGM.
She said the women would not rest until there was end to the practice.
The governor’s wife noted that the practice could lead to death, emotional trauma and broken homes, if left unchecked.
UNFPA’s Country Representative Mrs Beatrice Mukta hailed Mrs Okorocha for her fight against FGM.
She noted that the battle against the practice would not be easy.
The UNFPA chief urged traditional institutions as well as Imo State women to support the governor’s wife in her efforts to end FGM.
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