PH Residents Condemn Child Rights Law Non-Enforcement

Port Harcourt-based business man, Mr Okorie Joel has criticised the dormancy of the Nigeria Child Rights Law.
Mr Okorie who stated this while speaking with The Tide in Port Harcourt on Monday said parents should take responsibility for their children providing their basic needs which are food, shelter, protection amongst others and added that under-aged children should not hawk on the street or do other abnormal jobs to earn a living.
According to him, poor economy should not be a reason for any responsible parent to endanger the life of a child. Government on their own part should empower traders and other fields of expertise to eradicate poverty.
Also speaking, a Port Harcourt based trader, Mrs Helen Mbaakee disclosed that a pure water seller aged 11 was almost raped while hawking and added that it was uncalled for and send their children to engage in hawking activities. that parents sit at home.
As she puts it “despite the economy, children should not hawk.  The government should implement the Child Right Law and adequate punishment should be given to  defaulters.
Another respondent, Mr Andrew Alabanji alleged that government was the sole cause of poverty in our nation.
“Our administration is very poor and it has made us to experience difficulties that has compelled us into doing what is not ethical”, he said.
“Our government should provide free education for children and access to free adequate medical care. I suggest, the government should assist parents while dealing with the Child Right Law”, he added.
“Child abuse is a profane act”, Barr. Stanley stated. “It is understandable that Nigeria is a developing nation, nevertheless she must meet up the demands of the masses”.
“Any parent that abuses a child either by  hawk or using whip on the child must be punished, he reiterated, adding that government should protect the right of every Nigerian child.

Juliet Onyeanunam, Sylvester Onyeazor & Amarachi Anene