Child Abuse: Activist Demands Life Imprisonment as Protest Hits Anambra Assembly
Emmanuel Chigbata |Ichie Times
Anambra State House of Assembly has assured advocates of child protection of its commitment to strengthening the fight against child abuse, as activist, Chioma Ifemeludike led a protest to the legislative complex, demanding tougher punishment for perpetrators.
The protest, focused on reported cases of child abuse, sexual molestation, and intended to draw government attention to child protection and enforcement of existing laws.
She appealed to the House to strengthen the protection of children, saying the Assembly should work with the executive and judiciary to ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions, and life imprisonment for serious cases of child abuse, which would serve as deterrent to others.
Responding, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Mimi Azikiwe, acknowledged the concerns raised but said the major challenge is not necessarily the absence of laws.
She said existing provisions under Child Rights Law and Violence Against Persons (VAP) law address many child-abuse cases, stressing that implementation and enforcement remained a major challenge.
The Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme also appealed to the protesters to observe the procedures of the legislature when seeking the attention of lawmakers while adding that the Assembly is already reviewing existing laws and considering issues relating to penalties and enforcement.
