By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration to ensure the speedy prosecution of Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere following the physical abuse of her 10-year-old house help, Chiziterem at Odume Layout in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government of the state.

The Assembly also requested the arrest of the woman's husband who it cited as an accomplice for failing to take action in protecting the boy.

The resolution was contained in a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Hon Mimi Azikiwe and 27 others.

Moving the motion on the floor of the House, Azikiwe observed that the Child Rights Law of Anambra State, 2006 prohibits child abuse, neglect, ill-treatment and exploitation under Sections 16 and 20.

According to her, the law makes such acts criminal offences.

She said: "Sections 21 to 33 of the Child Rights Law of Anambra State, 2006 prescrive offenders and penalties for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, child trafficking, child labour, abduction and exposure of children to pornographic materials, thereby providing a legal basis for immediate prosecution of offenders.

"Part IV of the Child Rights Law of Anambra State, 2006 assigns the Minustry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare the responsibility of coordinating child protection, receiving complaints and liaising with law enforcement for investigation and prosecution.

"AWARE that incidents of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, child trafficking, child labour and other forms of violence against children continue to be reported across communities in Anambra State."

The lawmaker who doubles as a lawyer observed that delay in assessing reported cases and prosecuting offenders, compounds trauma for the victims and encourages impunity, hence the need for urgent executive action to ensure evidence to protect victims and bring offenders to justice without unnecessary delay.

Supporters of the motion include, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo), Hon Udemezue, (Idemili North), Hon Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), Hon Tony Mobike (Aguata 1), Hon Jude Akpua (Njikoka 2), Hon Obi Nweke (Anambra East).

Other supporters were, Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Jude Ngobili, (Ihiala 1) and Hon Golden Iloh (Ihiala2), all advocated for open trial in such cases like that of 10-year-old Chiziterem, noting that the prime suspect would be charged to court for attempted murder, torture and manslaughter.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon Somtochukwu Udeze who had earlier paid a visit to the abused child in the hospital in company of former Senator, Stella Oduah stressed on the need to amend the Child Rights law to reflect the current reality in the state.

Recall that the 10-year-old Chiziterem whose video went viral last week is currently in hospital receiving treatment over severe abuse which include starvation, torture, burns from melted plastic and other inhuman treatment meted against him by his guardian, Chisom Chukwuyere currently in detention.

Currently, three persons, including the guardian are in the custody of the Anambra State Police Command awaiting prosecution for this incident.

The House also asked Governor Chukwuma Soludo to in a matter of urgency, direct the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to collaborate with other relevant Agencies in undertaking comprehensive assessment of reported cases of child abuse for immediate prosecution of offenders in line with the provisions of the Child Rights Law of the State.

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