KINGSLEY EBERE
The Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch, has condemned the alleged abuse and brutalization of Master Chiziterem by his guardian. The organization described the act as inhuman and a violation of the child’s fundamental rights.
CLO said the incident reflects a growing culture of impunity against vulnerable children in the state. It noted that many similar cases remain unreported because citizens have become indifferent or afraid to speak out.
The group expressed concern that neighbours and community members often witness acts of cruelty against children but fail to intervene. It described such silence as dangerous and complicit.
In a statement issued to journalists in Awka, the Chairman of CLO Anambra, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, AMBP-UN, and the Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mbah, said: “Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. Not to speak is to have spoken. Not to act is to have acted.”
The organization warned that evil persists when good people choose comfort over courage. It quoted Emperor Haile Selassie: “The silence of the voice of justice when it matters most has given evil the power to triumph.”
CLO appealed to Ndi Anambra to be their brother’s keeper and to help end child abuse, exploitation, and violence in the state and across Nigeria.
It listed three immediate actions for citizens: See something and say something, report all cases of child abuse to the Nigeria Police Gender and Child Protection Unit, the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the National Human Rights Commission, or credible civil society groups, and protect whistleblowers from intimidation.
The organization said a single phone call or visit to a Police station can be the difference between life and death for a child in danger.
CLO commended Nigerians who exposed the abuse of Master Chiziterem. It said their courage prevented the case from being ignored.
The group also thanked individuals and public officials who provided financial support, medical care, and comfort to the child. It specifically acknowledged Her Excellency Dr. Nonye Soludo, Chief Tony Nwa Umeh, Senator Stella Oduah, OON, and Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
CLO equally appreciated Hon. Lyda Ikpeazu and Hon. Mimi Azikiwe for assisting Mrs. Ujunwa Chinecherem, who could not pay her hospital bill at Pieta Hospital, Awada, after childbirth. It said their intervention reflects the spirit of humanity.
The organization demanded immediate justice in the case of Master Chiziterem. It urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to prosecute the perpetrator under the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
CLO also called on schools, churches, and communities to intensify sensitization on child protection and to establish safe reporting channels. It urged government to strengthen child protection units and shelters for abused children.
The group stated that no child should be tortured under the guise of discipline or guardianship. It said Anambra must remain a safe place for every child to grow.
In conclusion, the Chairman, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, AMBP-UN, and the Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mbah, said Master Chiziterem’s case should serve as a wake-up call. They urged citizens to break the culture of silence, end impunity, and protect the next child.
