Nigeria’s legal system has made great strides in meting out punishment to human abusers.
But many people feel legislators need to enact even tougher human-abuse laws. And many people feel judges need to dole out harsher sentences to abusers.
Joining many Nigerians in advocating for stiffer penalties for abusers is the wife of the president, Aisha Buhari, who has charged authorities to review penalties associated with abuse in Nigeria in order to adequately address the violation of the fundamental human rights of victims of abuse.
She made the charge at a workshop on war on abuse, organized by Future Assured at the State House Conference Centre on Saturday, 16th December, 2017.
Mrs. Buhari was making reference to the 6 month old baby that was raped in Kano last year and the perpetrator getting off with a N10, 000 fine.
She also made reference to recent occurrences of child abuse, human trafficking, child marriage, cyber bullying, domestic violence and abuse of the elderly, saying they remain a major cause of concern despite legislative measures.
Mrs. Buhari harped on the need to educate people and raise necessary awareness on preventive measures and the need for immediate reporting of incidences to law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action. “This workshop,” She said, “will proffer workable solutions to addressing this social problem.”
She called on victims to speak out and let the law take its course, stressing that there should be no excuse for any form of abuse.
“If one child or adult is protected as a result of this workshop, it would be well worth it.” She added.
