The Nigerian Sex Workers Association (NSWA) has kicked against the decision by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to ban sex workers and night clubs in the state.
The governor in his New Year broadcast, banned the sex workers from operating in some parts of the state especially along Abacha Road and surrounding streets during the new year.
Wike stated that the decision to make such a move was to stop the harmful effects on the moral development of children and society at large.
In her response to the development, Ms Amaka Enemo, National President of the Nigerian Sex Workers Association told SaharaReporters that the Governor should have focused on more serious situations such as insecurity and unemployment.
According to her, “One thing I know is that sex works cannot be threatened. It is ridiculous that someone can just wake up and attack sex work. Of course, other means are there (for sex workers without physical location). There is the internet if the governor says they should not operate in a location.
“But I think it’s a misplaced priority when other things are there for him (Wike) to address. I don’t know why a ban on sex works is his problem. There are many problems confronting Nigeria, insecurity is there, unemployment. Many people are being kidnapped.”
She also asked if the governor had provided alternative jobs for them in the state maintaining that S3x works is their source of livelihood.
“Talking about sex work, what have you done as alternative jobs before you talk about banning of sex work? Has he created business opportunities, job creation or any related programme to empower them? That’s where people earn their living so he should just stop the threats or what is the alternative we should expect from the governor?
“About alternatives, if it’s okay for some sex workers they can leave their jobs. Sex work is just like every other work, so if some sex workers want to opt out for other job opportunities, fine. It’s their decision.
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