The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Chioma Ifemeludike, has led a protest to the Anambra State House of Assembly complex, demanding tougher punishment for perpetrators of child abuse and trafficking in the state.
Ifemeludike, under the auspices of the Comrade Chioma Grace Ifemeludike Ministry (CGIM), led other protesters bearing placards with various inscriptions highlighting reported cases of child abuse and sexual molestation, in a move aimed at drawing the attention of the government to child protection and the enforcement of existing laws.
According to her, the protest was an evangelical approach to seeking social justice, which she said was necessary to strengthen child protection and improve accountability for cases of abuse.
Ifemeludike urged the authorities to immediately investigate and prosecute reported cases of child abuse while ensuring due process and adequate protection for child victims and witnesses throughout legal proceedings.
She also called for stricter enforcement of child protection laws in Anambra State and the effective implementation of existing child-rights provisions recognised under Nigeria’s legal framework.
The protesters appealed to the Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and member representing Onitsha North Constituency, Hon. Mimi Ikpeazu, to sponsor legislation that would strengthen the enforcement of the Child Rights Act 2003, which protects children from economic exploitation and hazardous work, as well as relevant provisions of the Labour Act 2004 on age limits and conditions for young workers.
They further demanded accountability for adults and institutions that conceal or ignore cases of child abuse instead of protecting victims.
The protesters also called for regular public awareness campaigns to educate communities on child rights and the importance of reporting abuse.
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Ifemeludike advocated life imprisonment for serious cases of child abuse, saying such punishment would serve as a deterrent to others.
Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Mimi Azikiwe, acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters but said the major challenge was not necessarily the absence of laws.
She said existing provisions under the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law address many cases of child abuse, stressing that implementation and enforcement remained major challenges.
The Majority Leader of the 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.
He added that the Assembly was already reviewing existing laws and considering issues relating to penalties and enforcement.
