A behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has applauded the Senate under the leadership of His Excellency Godswil Akpabio for passing a Bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone, male or female found guilty of sexually defiling minors.
Kemi who is also the Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23) during the 2023 Presidential election said by this action, the Senate has demonstrated its commitment to creating an environment that can stem the rising tide of child sexual abuse across Nigeria.
If signed into law, the new legislation would replace earlier provisions under Nigeria’s Criminal Code and Penal Code, which prescribed lighter sentences for offenders.
In a statement she made available to newsmen on Monday, the Ireland-based Nigerian in diaspora commended the Federal parliamentarians for showing support for the minors generally, not just the girl-child.
She added that the Senators have indeed distinguished themselves by changing the narrative and prioritising acceptable behavioral patterns that can make the environment saner and healthier, while also promoting interests of Nigerians particularly the vulnerable groups and the voiceless demographics.
Her statement partly reads,
“As a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional in the Republic of Ireland, but with a good sense of patriotism and loyalty for Nigeria and on how it will succeed, I received the news of the intervention made by the Nigerian Senate with great excitement.
“This excellent effort which is designed to prescribe life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually defiling minors has been widely commended by many Nigerians in diaspora and we all feel elated about it because we are convinced that it will ultimately help to stem the rising tide of child sexual abuse across the country.
“Before this inspiring news, those of us in diaspora are grossly disturbed about the national outrage over increasing cases of pedophilia and child molestation, which have left many victims physically and psychologically scarred, thankfully the Senate is changing the narrative through the passage of this important Bill.
“Hopefully there will now be a sharp decline in the alarming surge in cases involving children as young as five being sexually assaulted by adults, including family members, teachers, and clerics in some cases.
“I pray and hope that the Bill’s passage will serve as a deterrent amid growing public concern that many child rape cases go unpunished due to weak enforcement and social stigma. I must as well salute the courage and convictions of the enablers of this Bill particularly the President of the Red Chamber, His Excellency Goddswill Akpabio for coming up with harsher penalties for those violating minors and violating our laws.”
