* State's Child Rights Agency Vows To Bring Perpetrators, Parents Violators To Book
By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger state government has taken a hard stance against acts depriving girl-child their rights to education, marriage and others as the State's Child Rights Agency (NSCRA) has vowed to bring to book both suitors and parents that violates such rights.
The Director General of Niger State Childs Right Agency (NSCRA), Hajiya Umulkhatum Mohammed Esq. made the state government’s stance known when she spoke with journalists in Minna.
The NSCRA was established by the Niger state government under the enabling law as passed by the Niger State House of Assembly, to protect the rights of the girl-child, as well other forms of domestic violence, Gender Based Violence (GBV), among other forms of unpleasant treatments that will be detrimental to the growth and development of the girl-child.
Among such violence includes withdrawal of girl-child from school to early marriage, child bullying, gender based violence and girl molestation warning that the agency will ensure that the full prosecution of such persons in court of competent jurisdiction.
Expressing regrets that's not some parents for no genuine reason withdraw their girl-child from schools for early marriage, describing the trend as unacceptable.
The agency, according to her had received several petitions or complaints, adding that, “and the agency under my watch will go after any parent or guardian that engages in any of such unpleasant attitudes.”
Days were gone when parents or guardian forcefully give their girl child away. “I will go after any parent and guardian that henceforth withdraw their girls from school for early marriages".
"I will ensure that such parents and guardians will go to jail. The laws are very clear, and if you think you can just go to school andwithdraw your daughter for early marriage, dare that and you will see the consequences of your actions".
She pointed out that the agency has zero tolerance for decisions or choices parents/guardians make without considering its implications on the girl child.
The agency, she insisted will no longer fold its arm and watch people that chose irresponsibility above dignity take pleasure in violating the rights of their female children, and/or indulge other gender based violence, including sexual abuse and domestic violence on the vulnerable.
Hajiya Ummukhatu who also stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to end the trend by exposing or reporting parents/guardians that still indulge in such.
She therefore encouraged all Community Based Organizations, (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) Non Governmental Organizations, (NGOs), Community and religious leaders, as well as all critical stakeholders in the state to partner with the agency by voicing out to check increasing cases of gender related vices in the state. NNL.
