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| Hon. Eyo Bassey, Member Representing Bakassi, CRSHA |
By Ukorebi Esien
CALABAR – The 10thCross River State House of Assembly has called on the Government of the state to as a matter of urgent public interest look into the rehabilitation of street children within Calabar metropolis.
Speaking through a motion on the floor of the House, member representing Bakassi State Constituency, Hon. Eyo Bassey called for the evacuation of the children due to insecurity their presence have constituted.
The Honourable Member representing Bakassi State Constituency, Hon. Eyo Bassey, popularly called Empowerment Chairman, has called on the Cross River State Government to rehabilitate street children in Calabar Metropolis.
The Lawmaker decried the presence the children loitering the streets of Calabar metropolis adding that, they sometimes turn violent and rob innocent citizens and some of them grow up to become cultists, kidnappers and armed robbers.
“The existence of street children in Calabar is an eyesore. Children as young as 6 years who are supposed to be with their parents are exposed to hunger, poverty and all sorts of abuse. These children lack basic needs which are contrary to the Child’s Rights law of 2023. It is worrisome. It will negatively affect the tourism potential of the State”. Hon. Eyo stated.
Co-Sponsors who contributed to the motion noted that the children had potential to be useful to themselves and the society if they are kept under and effective management system.
Other Lawmakers also observed that most of the children are from neighbouring states thus, they be profiled and returned to their states of origin with the hope of reuniting them with their families.
In his response, the Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, reiterated the urgency of rehabilitating the street children. Citing instances where he needed to rescue a woman being attacked with razor blades by the children after making away with her valuables.
He therefore, reassured members of the Governor’s commitment to restore the tourism potentials of the State adding that the presence of the street children is detrimental to the aesthetics and security of the State capital.
