Thursday, 28th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

Edo judiciary inaugurates family court for child rights law

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City
10 January 2017   |   2:28 am
The Edo State judiciary has inaugurated a family court to exclusively handle matters pertaining to child abuse in compliance with the law.The state Child Rights Bill was passed into law in 2007 and was assented to by former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor.
Oserheimen Osunbor

Oserheimen Osunbor

The Edo State judiciary has inaugurated a family court to exclusively handle matters pertaining to child abuse in compliance with the law.The state Child Rights Bill was passed into law in 2007 and was assented to by former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor.

The court is constituted by a sitting judge or magistrate and two assessors who are to be sworn-in by the chief judge of the state. In his speech, the out-going Chief Judge of the state, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, said the Child Rights Act extensively caters for the interest and rights of the child, adding that the family court would have exclusive jurisdiction to handle all matters pertaining to children in both civil and criminal matters.

“With the inauguration of this court, there shall now be speedy trial in matters relating to children’s welfare and protection, specifically from undue exposure and exploitation. The court will strive to provide families with the best possible outcome in child rights cases in accordance with the law and best global practices.”

Chairman of the state branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ede Asenoguan, said the inauguration of the court would place the state among the few ones in the country that have established a family court to cater for the rights of children as envisaged by the Child Rights Law of Edo State 2007.

The state governor, Godwin Obaseki, represented at the event by his deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, said if Nigeria could implement the family court, it would go a long way to address some of the challenges facing families. He gave the assurance that the state government would support the judiciary.

especially as the 2017 Appropriation Bill provides for the infrastructural development of the courts. He added that the government would provide more courts as well as improve on the welfare of judges and judicial workers.

0 Comments