Issues
Caning As Disciplinary Measure: Child Abuse?
Child upbringing, somehow, is an arduous task for which most parents receive the least training, whereas the society’s expectations of parents are very high.
Child development experts, as well as the scriptures, clearly underscore the imperative for discipline in the early life of a child.
“Through discipline, our children learn that some kinds of behaviour are acceptable, while others are not,’’ explains a child development expert.
Beyond question, therefore, the setting of “boundaries” for children’s behaviour helps them to learn how to behave in the wider society, especially as they are susceptible to a variety of behavioural and emotional problems.
Notwithstanding the imperative of discipline for the child, opinions differ on ways of enforcing discipline in the child.
While some believe in instant punishment for errant behaviours, others prefer the gentler approach of moderate mode of correction.
Yet another group thinks that a blend of both approaches is better.
Nevertheless, in the traditional African society, corporal punishment is an acceptable mode of correction for the child who is particularly stubborn.
“Spare the rod, spoil the child’’ is an aged-old saying that is always on the lips of most African elders. It is also scriptural.
“A quick spank can be a reminder to a child not to run into the street; not to steal or tell lies, not to play with electrical appliances or to go near a cooking stove.
“A small amount of pain saves one from incurring much greater and possibly fatal incidents,’’ says Mrs Zaina Ibrahim, a child analyst.
Often times, parents spank their children on account of perceived “wilful disobedience”, especially when such kids develop the kind of language and reasoning skills to understand danger.
These times, however, canning or spanking as a method of discipline seems to be generating controversy in certain quarters, especially among those who believe that it is out of tune with contemporary trends.
Ms Salma Ibrahim, a social welfare analyst, says she sees nothing wrong in the occasional caning of a disobedient child.
Salma , who resides in Atlanta, U.S., recalls that “I grew up in a home where my parents caned us kids as a corrective measure whenever we erred.
“People used to remark how obedient and well-mannered we were when they compared us with other kids of our age.’’
Salma insists that such a good reputation only came about because her parents did not spare the rod.
Mrs Nkechi Okoronkwo, an Abuja-based journalist, shares similar viewpoint, insisting that if a child does a wrong thing, such a child should be spanked.
“If you don’t punish the child, chances are that the errant behaviour will be repeated; the future consequences could be dire and could be to the detriment of the child, who will relate with the wider society,” she says.
Okoronkwo, however, advises that sometimes, there ought to be some moderation during discipline, so as to allow for counselling and advice, to achieve the same effect as canning.
“Child punishment should be as the circumstances demand but with some form of flexibility,” she insists.
Those opposed to corporal punishment say that there had been instances where such punishments were extreme and as such, constituted child abuse.
They note that the mass media are replete with stories of some parents and guardians who inflict severe wounds on their children and wards, all in the name of punishment.
For reasons as such extremities, Mrs Ngozi Thompson, a mother of three, says that moderation should be the underlying principle.
“Moderation is the key word; I think discipline is the main thing in bringing up a child. If spanking is what brings a child to order, so be it.
“If you don’t discipline your children, they will grow up to think that they can do anything and get away with it,’’ Ngozi argues.
Mrs Tina Brown, a lawyer, sees caning or spanking as a form of child abuse and insists that a child should not be caned for any reason.
“Spanking and caning is most certainly an abuse in my book. There are other ways to discipline a child other than caning. Caning never proves anything, be it to a child or an adult,’’ she adds.
What separates caning or spanking from child abuse, may appear to some people as a very thin line.
Mrs Nihimat Abdullahi, a child welfare expert, argues that caning or spanking as a form of discipline for a child is not an abuse, though she quickly warns against any form of extremity.
“Beating children black and blue, drawing blood, causing bruises and breaking bones, all clearly constitute abuses and they are repulsive,” she says.
Nihimat, nonetheless, explains that the spanking of children when they refuse to reason or obey instructions is conceptualised as “negative reinforcement”.
She advises parents to teach their children that “bad and unpleasant consequences follow bad behaviours or disobedience to constituted authority”.
“Instead of this all-or-nothing approach that people seem to take on these issues, a bit of moderation and proper application is what is needed.
“It is normal for parents to become impatient, frustrated and angry with errant children but anger does not mean that you should act ‘angrily’ towards your kids.
“Some children are hyperactive and pose greater challenges than others,’’ Nihimat expatiates, underscoring the need to adopt the appropriate discipline modes as the circumstances dictate.
Hajia Hauwa Sani, a childcare giver, on her part, says that a rule to remember in matters of discipline is “never to punish a child in the state of anger or emotion”.
She warns that in this state, emotions could becloud you, while proper reasoning may become impossible.
“You can easily lose control of yourself and when you do and misdirect your naked aggression towards a child, you are abusing the child. This goes for both verbal and physical reprimands. You will need to calm down completely.
“A situation of rage at the point of meting out discipline must be avoided,” Sani cautions, adding: “A terrible damage or harm can also be done and this can leave behind a life-long regret.
“It should be borne in mind at all times that beating should be the final resort that is adopted for rectifying a spoilt child,’’ she says.
Sani further advises that punishment should be carried out within reasonable and considerable limits, while specific spots should be identified for caning purposes.
“It is permissible to cane a child for the purposes of discipline, so long as the limits are not transgressed. If the limits are transgressed, even by a single stroke, such a disciplinarian will be regarded as an abuser’’.
“Punishment is never an avenue to vent meanness, aggression or frustration. Parents must know their limits and not go overboard,’’ Sani adds.
Child development experts, however, point out that there is variability in the amenability of children to corrections.
They say that while some children will just cease to do a bad thing by mere verbal caution, others will never change except they see a cane waiting for them.
“Spanking and caning varies from child to child as children are different. While some kids need spanking and caning, some do not. It all depends on individual sensitivity to correction,’’ Sani expatiates.
Narrating her personal experience as a child, Hauwa Mohammed, a civil servant, recalls that words like “hey, stop that” were enough to dissuade her from an errant behaviour whereas only a cane could stop her siblings from wrongdoing.
Mr Shola Adewunmi, a father of three, says that caning is very okay provided that the child is grown up sufficiently to appreciate the essence of punishment.
In an age where western values seem to displace old and cherished traditional values, especially in the African context, child discipline has assumed a strange dimension.
“In the good old days, child discipline was every adult’s business. If I saw a child exhibiting an errant behavior, I didn’t have to wait for the parents before disciplining such a child.
“Child discipline was everybody’s business and we all accepted it as a norm in our traditional societies,” says Mr Fidelis Igein, a septuagenarian grandfather.
A mother, Miss Anna Isiaku, says that an admixture of traditional and western values in matters of discipline should be adopted by parents.
“Let’s take the good sides of both cultures and adopt them. To label caning as an abuse is alien to African societies as far as I am concerned. I will always cane my children as our parents did to us but with some restraints however.’’
Isiaku’s argument is that most children tend to fear the cane more than verbal reprimand, stressing the need for parents and guardians to always draw the line between cruelty and discipline.
There had been instances where parents harassed or arrested their children’s teachers in schools for ever touching them with a cane, even when such spankings were light.
Okoronkwo says that such an attitude by parents is not right.
“There are milder ways to register genuine complaints with the school authorities rather than going to harass and arrest the teachers on account of the children’s misdemeanors,’’ she says.
Some child development analysts point out that it is increasingly difficult and almost impossible for parents in the Western world to effectively discipline their children, thus leading to more deviant behaviours among their youth.
In those countries, they note, caning or spanking of an errant child can land you in jail or even earn you a fine.
The legal rights of the child in the Western nations, some African conservatives insist, are largely responsible for some wayward behaviours of youths and adults in those lands.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a consensus that discipline is imperative for the Nigerian child but that moderation must be the key word, to ensure sanity in the society.
Koro-Mohammed writes for the News Agency of Nigeria.
Hauwa Koro-Mohammed
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
-
News3 days agoFG Set To Receive Fresh $2.2bn World Bank Loan
-
Business3 days agoAviation Union Threatens Strike Over Revenue Deduction
-
News3 days agoNCCSALW Destroys 6,000 Illicit Arms In Six Geo-Political Zones
-
News3 days agoAkpabio Seeks Nigeria, Serbia Parliamentary Collaboration
-
Rivers3 days agoNCSU Hails Release Of Fubara’s Supporters
-
Maritime3 days agoTin Can NCS Generates N303.9bn In Q1
-
News3 days agoOur Policies Aligning With Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Mantra For Nigeria -Gov Fubara
-
Business3 days agoPaper Industry’s Economic Contribution Hits N398bn