Nigerian children have hinted that they will boycott this year’s Children’s Day celebration in solidarity with the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking under the umbrella of the Nigerian Children Parliament at a retreat themed “Promoting the Participatory Rights of the Nigerian Child” in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, the children said there will only be a need for celebration if the girls are safely rescued.
A member of the parliament, representing Benue State, Msendo Ahwah, said the security of the children is of paramount importance.
“I see no reason why we should be here discussing child participation when there is a more important issue. On May 27 we are celebrating Children’s Day. Supposing my sister was among the abducted girls, what am I celebrating when my sister is nowhere to be found,” she queried.
Another member, Johnson Ikpema, representing the FCT, noted that children were not represented at the National Conference and urged the nation’s leaders to allow children to contribute to nation building.
“We are here to make sure that the minds and opinions of the children are heard. Sometimes, I feel if I am given the opportunity, I could do better than the old men holding public offices,” Ikpema said.
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