By Elizabeth Jonathan
The Delta state Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, has called on all stakeholders- parents, teachers and religious leaders, to join hands in the fight against cultism in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing, on Thursday, 25th May, at the state secretariat, Asaba, the commissioner emphasized on positive ways to curb cultism, and possible actions that will be taken by government on defaulters.
However, viewed as a national menace, Aniagwu said, that the state government has decided to fight it, and more concerned, are pupils in Primary and Secondary schools, warning that, government will not hesitate to shutdown any school that has defaulters in their custody.
He said, “the issue of individuals being initiated to all sort of groups that does not advance the growth of society is pervasive, but as a government, we have directed that teachers must step up their supervisory roles.
“Teachers are not only to impact knowledge on whatever that is in the curricular. I recall, while in school, they had extra-curricular activities, such as games, debating society, boys scout, girls guide, Man O’ War and the likes. All the groups were targeted at helping to build morals.
“We have now asked that, the ministry of education, particularly the departments responsible for the supervision of schools, be it private or public to also intensify efforts. And if any child is misbahaving, particularly in primary and secondary schools, drastic actions should be taken.
He stressed that, school authorities must take drastic decisions of expelling students engaged in cultism or the government will come for the school.
“We have emphasized that beyond the need to sensitize, drastic actions need to be taken, and if any school is found to have wards who are involved and nothing is done about it, government will come down heavily on such school, as it can go as far as closing down the school.
Aniagwu noted that, it is disheartening, but beyond lamentation, the government will take appropriate actions as enlisted earlier. He added that it is the responsibility of everyone; parents, teachers and religious leaders to step up their game to fight this menace.
“It is the responsibility of everyone to take this as a matter of urgent state and nation absorbance”, he said.
