Sultan backs Child Rights Law, Family Courts in Sokoto

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL,Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared his support for Child Rights Law (CRL) and the operationalization of family Courts in the State.

“My assessment of the ‘Family Court Rules’ is that even though, am a lay man in law, I think it is a thorough job, hence the issue of child abuses especially in the State will be completely eliminated or minimized.” 

The respected religious cum traditional leader, who spoke at a 3-day workshop funded by the EU-Access to Justice and organized by the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with  UNICEF on “Review and Validation of the Proposed Family Court Rules in Sokoto” declared that they are committed to children’s rights. 

The Sultan, who was represented by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, called on the people of the State to support the government in the implementation of the CRL. 

Continuing on the issue of the Family Court and CRL, the Sultan’s representative said, “yes, not only me but the Sultanate council is in total support of the CRL, especially after it was reviewed and gone through by the Sultan himself. So we are in total support”. 

The 3 day workshop with the theme, “Strengthening The Justice System to Prevent Violence and Protect Children in all Situations,”
had 10 Magistrates and five High Court Judges, the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as well as numerous other legal luminaries in attendance.

In a welcome address, the State Focal Person, Justice Partnership and an Assistant Director in the ministry of Justice, Habiba Ahmed Usman said the Family Court Rules are essential in delivering Child friendly procedural steps in line with the State and International Child Justice System including the judiciary, Prosecuting, Defence Counsel, children and their caregivers as well as other stakeholders. 

“The workshop will also help us to review and validate the initial draft of the Family Court Rules for regulating the Family Courts on criminal and Civil cases children both in contact and in conflict with the law,” Habiba stressed. 

Giving his goodwill message, Sokoto State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Nasir Binji, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Haliru Kabiru, while tasking them to be mindful of the already existing CRL, also appreciated the Family Court Rules. 

He also advised that they should take cognisance of the unique cultural and religious beliefs of the people if the Family Court is to be effective in the Courts of the State. 

On his part, the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa represented by Justice Malami Umar Dogon Daji appreciated UNICEF, and other donors for their keen interest in the development of the State. 

Decrying how worrisome the case of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Harmful practices and other forms of violence could cause depression and loss of dignity, Sokoto State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Barrister Aisha Dantsoho appealed that all hands must be on deck to end the menace. 

In her goodwill message, Maryam Darwesh Said, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, represented by the Deputy Field Officer, Dr Mustapha Danjuma assured that UNICEF is always ready to collaborate with interested State governments and others to make the world a better place for all especially children. 

At the 3 day workshop, one of the facilitators, Nkiru Maduechesi spoke on Promoting Justice for Children through the family courts and Ugonna Ezekwem provided insights on the technical nature of the rules, it’s contents and evolving perspectives for consideration while Alkali Ibrahim took participants on critical review of the draft rules to contextualize with the Sokoto State Child Protection Laws.