By Ken Chiwendu
By Ken Chiwendu
In reaction to a purported marriage involving a 4- year old – girl and a 54- year – old man in Akeddei community in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the state government has invited parents of the said couple describing the development as ” repugnant to natural justice”.
The Director in charge of Child Development at the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,Mr. Panebi Jacob; chairman of GRIT, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy Harry Esq. and the state human rights commission, said in a statement on Saturday that the traditional ruler of Akeddei community honoured the government’s invitation and promised to produce the child, her parents, the 54-year-old man and the youth leader as well as the chairman of the Community Development Committee, CDC.
The statement said that the state is child – friendly which is why ” the state government did not hesitate to assent to the passage of the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law.
“We are taking steps to rescue the child from all the key actors in relation to this illegal ceremony that they tagged a ‘mere spiritual affair.’
“The law is clear on issues of tradition and customs that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and working with the Bayelsa State police command, we shall ensure incidents like this do not occur in the state again.
“On behalf of the Governor of Bayelsa State, we express our gratitude to all the non-governmental organisations including Fida and DO Foundation that have risen to the rescue of this innocent child. Bayelsa State is children-friendly and this case will be pursued to a logical conclusion,” the statement reads.
The reported marriage last week attracted the attention of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the State Gender Response Initiative Team,GRIT and also incurred the wrath of several non governmental organizations including the Child Rights Advocacy groups who described the marriage as illegal and criminal and a breach of the child rights act.
