The Rivers State Government has summoned the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, over a controversial plan to arrange a marriage for his 21-year-old autistic adopted daughter, citing non-compliance with child protection laws.
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The government also directed all orphanage operators and childcare providers across the state to register and adhere strictly to existing laws safeguarding the rights of children and vulnerable persons.
The directive was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Dimpka, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt.
The development follows widespread public outrage triggered by reports that Chinyere had offered incentives to prospective suitors willing to marry his adopted daughter.
Dimpka said the government’s intervention became necessary after the issue went viral, noting that while the intentions behind the initiative might have appeared well-meaning, it contravened established legal provisions.
“As a faith-based organisation, the interventions appeared well-meaning but fell short of compliance with the law,” she said.
She cited key legal frameworks, including the Child’s Rights Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, as laws that provide strict safeguards for minors and persons with special needs.
“These laws mandate strict safeguards for minors and persons with special needs,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that all orphanages and children’s homes operating within the state must be duly registered to ensure compliance with child protection protocols.
“All orphanages and children’s homes operating in the state must be duly registered to ensure adherence to child protection protocols,” she stated.
In his response, Chinyere acknowledged lapses in his actions, admitting that he was unaware that the initiative breached legal provisions.
“This meeting is an eye-opener. I have been doing things without knowing that they were wrong. Now I understand better,” he said.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing child protection laws and ensuring that all interventions involving vulnerable individuals are carried out within the framework of the law.
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