Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Monday , signed an executive bill to officially open a register for all sex offenders in the state .
The register is expected to complement crime data register, which is already in place in the state to make it easier for law enforcement agents to prosecute sexual offences , such as harassment, defilement of children and rape.
Shortly before signing the bill , Fashola said the executive order establishing the register makes it mandatory for such offences to be reported irrespective of the offender and the way the issue is settled .
Fashola pointed out that the current security challenges facing the country has pushed sexual offences against vulnerable members of the society to the background.
He added that series of policies including the post -partum depression defence , six- month maternity leave for public servants in the state as well as the domestic violence and child abuse laws were all put in place to protect women and children.
The governor stressed that successful implementation of the order requires cooperation of all stakeholders .
He advised women to speak out against acts which may cause their rights to be compromised in the work place , warning that it would no longer be business as usual for those who have formed the habit of harassing vulnerable members of the society .
According to the governor, it is no longer fashionable for victims of rape and other sexual abuses to keep quiet , saying the state government has carried out necessary legal reforms to address such issues.
Earlier, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, said a number of measures have been put in place for successful implementation of the order .
According to Ipaye, a domestic violence and sexual response team , comprising policemen , officials of the state , Office of the Public Defenders, Directorate for Citizens ’ Rights , medical personnel and others have already been constituted.
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