Chinedum Treasure
Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in the 2025 Anambra Gubernatorial Election, Chioma Ifemeludike has demanded tougher punishment for perpetrators of all kinds of child abuse and trafficking in the state.
Ifemeludike made the call when she led a peaceful protest to the State House of Assembly under the Comrade Chioma Grace Ifemeludike Ministry (CGIM).
The protesters carried placards with varying inscriptions focused on reported cases of child abuse, sexual molestation, aimed at drawing government attention to child protection and enforcement of existing laws.
According to Ifemeludike, the protest was an evangelical method of seeking social social justice, necessary to strengthen child protection and improve accountability for abuse.
She urged authorities to immediately investigate and prosecute reported child abuse cases 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 effective implementation of existing child-rights provisions already recognised under Nigeria’s legal framework.
“We demand accountability for adults and institutions that conceal or ignore cases of child abuse instead of protecting victims.
“We demand introduction of life imprisonment as punishment for serious cases of child abuse, to serve as deterrent to others.
“We call for regular public awareness campaigns to educate communities on child rights and the need to report abuse.
Ifemeludike,” she added.
The protesters appealed to 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’s Rights Act, 2003.
“The act 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,” she added.
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.
According to her, existing provisions under Child Rights Law and Violence Against Persons (VAP) law address many child-abuse cases, just as she identified implementation and enforcement as major challenge.
The Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme assured that the Assembly was already reviewing existing laws and considering issues relating to penalties and enforcement.
He however appealed to the protesters to observe the legislative procedures when seeking attention of lawmakers.
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