By Praise Chinecherem
Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo has offered scholarship to the 13-year old girl recently impregnated by her 75-year old guardian in Agu Oye Umudioka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
She promised to take full responsibility of the girl and also make sure her life’s ambition was attained.
Mrs. Soludo, who made the pledge while receiving the girl and her baby together with Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia, also provided cash and nursing relief materials for the upkeep of the girl and her child.
She said, “The girl will be given all the support she needs to raise her baby, attain standard education and become a useful asset to her family and Anambra State.
“We’ll always be in touch to ensure her baby was well taken care of.”
While commending Ministry of Women and Social Welfare for being proactive on the matter, re-emphasized that the State would remain a red zone for abusers, as her husband’s administration would ensure offenders were punished.
She also urged those passing through any form of abuse to speak out, pledging government’s readiness to respond promptly.
Esther, a primary five pupil, is already registered to continue her education when the next term of the academic session begins in January.
The visibly excited young mother hugged and danced with the governor’s wife and her daughters.
Meanwhile, the 75-year old man, Sunday Moghalu, standing trial on a 3-count charge before an Amawbia magistrate court bothering on rape, unlawful intercourse and abuse of fundamental rights among others has ordered for the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test on the controversial pregnancy.
The septuagenarian had told Senior Magistrate Jenevive Osakwe that he is not responsible for the pregnancy, claiming the girl was impregnated after attending a cultural festival in her home town in Akwa Ibom State .
Speaking through his Counsel, Barr. Okwuawka, the suspect claimed he had never been insane or had any form of brain complications to fall into such temptations even while his wife is still alive.
According to the counsel, the girl was sent back to Akwa Ibom when they noticed she was pregnant, but she was brought back by her parents and while trying to assist her, he find himself into this embarrassing situation.
He regretted that the suspect’s mistake was his inability to report the matter to the police, claiming that the girl has also made some confessional statement that would be made public as the matter progressed.
The prosecuting officer, Inspector Ayogu Onyema had told the court that the defendant was arrested on Sunday night at his Agu Oye Umudioka following a tip off.
He said the committed offense is punishable by Section 34 law of Anambra State 2004.
But the suspect pleaded not guilty, insisting he was not responsible for the pregnancy.
In her ruling, Senior magistrate Osakwe disqualified herself to the bail application brought by his counsel on the ground that she has no jurisdiction.
She binded the matter to high court and adjourned it to February 1, 2023 for transfer of the matter.
Muoghalu was arrested Sunday night on order of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and social development, Hon Ify Obinabo following a viral video of the girl and her new baby after she was discovered by a good sameritan where she was abandoned in a private hospital at Adazi in Aniocha Local Government Area.
