BRCI Lauds Ayade For Assenting To Child Rights Amendment Bill

By Patrick Obia

The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-profit organization, has applauded the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade for assenting to the Cross River State Child Rights amendment bill, 2023.

Governor Ayade on Monday, May 22 2023 assented to the bill which sought to repeal the Child Rights Law No.4 of 2009 and to enact the Child Rights Law of Cross River State and for other related matters.

Expressing gratitude for the governor’s gesture, BRCI through its Program Coordinator, Mrs. Eseoghene Edoja-Ibor thanked Mr. Ayade for the move even as he has a few days to exit the office.

“Finally, the Governor has assented to the 2009 Child Rights Law amendment bill, 2023. It is expressly criminal to brand a child a witch or claim to have the power to exorcize witchcraft. Corporal Punishment in Schools is also proscribed. Public facilities must report all cases of child abuse, especially sexual assault. Lots of senseless inhibitions placed on fostering and adoption were removed.”

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She also appreciated partners and those who were on the front foot in making the amendment and assent possible including CrossRiverWatch.

“Thank you Prof. Ben Ayade, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, Hon Justice Emmanuel Ayade, Tanko Ashang, SAN, and UNICEF for facilitating the process.

“NKiru Obioha Maduechesi, Victor Atuchukwu, Kate Ubi, Hon. Regina Ayogo, Hon. Chris Njar, Hon Cynthia Nkasi, Late Hon. Ironbar, Ndodeye Bassey Obongha, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, Eno Iyamba, Kebe Ikpi, Florence Agbiji, Asibong Asi, Patience Agala, Hon. Justice Eunice Dada, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, DCR Theresa Agom, SP Philomena Modor, Prof. Gertrude Njar, Arikpo Williams, Basic Rights Counsel, Girls’ Power Initiative, Project Alert, Child Protection Network, CrossRiverWatch, Agba Jalingo and many more who made this possible. A big big thank you.”

“This is indeed a gift to children in Cross River State as they prepare to mark Children’s Day coming up on May 27, 2023,” Edoja-Ibor added.

Download below the 2023 Cross River State Child Rights Law amended document.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CROSS RIVER STATE CHILD RIGHTS LAW 2009-1

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