By ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Monday confirmed that the Delta State Government has violated the State Child’s Adoption laws noting that it has nothing to do with “human trafficking” which is outside its (NAPTIP) mandate.
Mrs Amugo Ijeoma Mary made the confirmation on behalf of NAPTIP in a response letter dated 21st June 2016 addressed to the Proprietor of Explosive Academy, Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
NAPTIP in the letter with Reference number, NAPTIP/NLM/782/1 directed the Proprietor of Explosive Academy, Mr. Aghogho Ighorhiowhunu to petition the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as well as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
NAPTIP said “The alleged violations are infractions against the laws of the State” saying it(NAPTIP) cannot arrest the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs,Rev.(Mrs.) Omatsola Williams.
Part of NAPTIP’s letter reads thus,” I am directed to refer to your letter dated 29th May 2016 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the alleged offences enumerated in your letter has nothing to do with human trafficking as they are breaches made against the State’s Child’s Rights Act relating to adoption of children which are outside the mandate of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons,NAPTIP.”
“I am further directed to inform you that your institution may wish to petition the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development as the alleged violation are infractions against the laws of Delta State.”
In a swift response, the Proprietor of Explosive Academy, Mr. Ighorhiowhunu Aghogho called on President Muhammadu Buhari to compel NAPTIP to arrest the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs,Rev.(Mrs.) Omatsola Williams and make her account for the hundreds of children missing from the 26registered children homes in delta state and the state adoption register.
Aghogho stated that the Violation of Delta State adoption law amounts to child trafficking by section 13 of the prohibition of trafficking in persons enforcement and administration law.
Aghogho said,”NAPTIP has compromised its stands. We are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to compel NAPTIP to arrest Delta Commissioner,Omatsola Williams of Women Affairs Ministry.”
“NAPTIP should br made to do their jobs because it falls within its jurisdiction.”
Aghogho also stated that the Chief Judge of Delta State,Justice Marshal Umukoro allegedly said the missing Children Register is not with him.
