Ex-Anambra Guber Candidate Takes Child Abuse Protest to State Assembly, Demands Justice

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Anambra State governorship candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, is set to lead a peaceful protest at the Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday, demanding urgent action against the rising cases of child abuse in the state.

The protest, organised under the Comr. Chioma Grace Ifemeludike Ministry (CGIM), is aimed at drawing government attention to child abuse, exploitation, neglect and the need for stronger child protection mechanisms.

In a statement signed by Ifemeludike, who is also the convener of the protest, she described the initiative as an “evangelical method for social justice,” emphasising the need for collective action to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.

Five Key Demands

According to the statement, the protest seeks to achieve the following:

1. Immediate investigation and prosecution: Prompt investigation and prosecution of reported child abuse cases, with due process and adequate protection for child victims and witnesses.

2. Stronger enforcement of child protection laws: Effective implementation of existing child rights legislation and improved enforcement of child protection laws in Anambra State.

3. Prohibition of child labour: Ifemeludike called on the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Mimy Ikpeazu, who represents Onitsha North Constituency, to initiate and sponsor legislation aimed at strengthening the prohibition of child labour in the state.

She referenced the Child Rights Act 2003, which protects children from economic exploitation and hazardous work, and the Labour Act, which provides legal guidelines for young workers.

4. Institutional accountability: Accountability for adults and institutions that conceal, ignore or fail to report cases of child abuse, rather than protecting victims and ensuring justice.

5. Public awareness campaigns: Regular sensitisation campaigns to educate communities about child abuse, neglect, exploitation and children’s rights.

Calls for Government Intervention

Calling on members of the public to join the peaceful demonstration, Ifemeludike urged the Anambra State Government to prioritise awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes through religious and traditional institutions.

She specifically appealed to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, led by Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, and the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, to intensify efforts to combat child abuse across the state.

“We call on the state government, through the office of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, and the office of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, to prioritise campaigns and sensitisation programmes on child abuse, neglect, exploitation and children’s rights through religious and traditional institutions,” she stated.

Ifemeludike expressed optimism that sustained public engagement and deliberate government intervention would help reduce child abuse and create a safer environment for children.

“With these programmes, effective efforts and intentional engagement, we believe that this menace will be drastically curtailed in our society, and our children will no longer be victims of physical, emotional, sexual and mental abuse,” she added.

The planned protest is expected to focus attention on the responsibility of government agencies, lawmakers, families and institutions to protect children and ensure that reported cases of abuse receive appropriate attention.

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