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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CRANE) has advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against exposing children in its fight against graft.
It specifically said the children of the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello who is under investigation, should not be roped in.
Bello has been at loggerheads with the anti-graft agency over alleged N80 billion fraud allegation.
National President, Ethnic Youth Leaders for Peace in Nigeria, Frankline Edede, on behalf of CRANE, yesterday in Abuja denounced the repeated mention of Bello’s children in public functions and press statements by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
He reminded EFCC that Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and has enacted the Child’s Rights Act (2003), both of which guarantee children protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
He claimed that The EFCC’s actions “arguably constitute psychological abuse and violate these essential safeguards.”
Therefore, he called on the Commission to: “Immediately cease all actions and public statements that directly or indirectly target Yahaya Bello’s children.
“Strictly adhere to due process and the presumption of innocence in all investigations.
“Ensure that all EFCC operatives receive comprehensive training on child protection protocols and social welfare expertise.”
Also, he implore the family of the former governor to “Seek age-appropriate counseling and psychological support for their children to mitigate any potential harm caused by the public exposure.
“Consult legal counsel to address the potential violations of their children’s rights and seek appropriate remedies.
“File formal complaints with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).”
As for President Bola Tinubu, he charged him to “Order a thorough and impartial investigation into the EFCC’s actions concerning the Bello children.
“Publicly condemn any tactics that endanger children and reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to protecting children’s rights.
“Take decisive disciplinary action against any EFCC personnel found to have violated children’s rights.”
