There is good news for all single
parents (father or mother) in case of a woman, if a man accepts that he was the
one that impregnated you and accept the paternity of the child but fails in his
responsibilities as a father, put him on notice and where he fails to take up
his responsibility give the child to the next man but by following the laid
down procedure by law. Men are also not left out, where a woman abandons a
child for you; notify her of her responsibilities as a mother where she fails
do the needful.
For the above to be practicable,
let us look at this scenario.
Mr.X
impregnates Mrs. B, Mr. X did not deny impregnating her but refused to take up
responsibility of basic maternity needs and upon delivery he named the child
and that was all, all effort to make him pay for basic needs like food and
shelter proved abortive ,neither did he show any concern about the welfare of
the innocent child. The innocent child is denied the right to family life as a
result of irreconcilable differences between his/her parents.
Every child deserves a childhood;
it is only experienced once in a life time so why should a man/woman for
his/her selfish reasons deny any child this rights provided for under the law.
Section 19 of the Child Rights
law 2007 Lagos law states that parents ,guardians, institutions, persons and
authorities having responsibilities
for maintenance,upbringing,education,training,socializing,employment,rehabilitation and
training for children in their care such as will equip the children to secure
their assimilation, appreciation and observance of the responsibilities set out
in this law.
The laid down procedure is by
guardianship, a person other than the father or mother of the child can be
privileged to be a guardian where the court is furnished with the necessary
requirement laid down by section 67 of the child’s right law of Lagos state
2007 which states that the court shall not grant an order for the child to be
delivered to the parent unless the court is satisfied that the parent is a fit
person to have the custody of the child where the parent has (a) abandoned or
deserted the child (b) allowed the child to be brought up by another person at
the expense of that other person ,for such a length of time and under such circumstance
to satisfy the court that the parent was unmindful of his parental
responsibilities.
Where the above can be proved the
court will grant guardianship of the child to the person applying if he falls
within the category of a fit and proper person which is at the discretion of
the court.
Please note that a woman who has
deserted the husband for no just cause does not fall under this category
neither does a man who sends the wife parking and not allowing her access to
the child will be favored .
If you have a child you have
refused to take care of for I will advise you take up responsibility today or
wave byeeeeeeeeee to your child.
Contact us if you need to apply
for guardianship of any child who is a victim of his/her birth.
Thank you.
Oyenike Alliyu-Adebiyi LLB(hons)
BL
Nike !!!!
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