By Gloria Ogbonna
The Bayelsa Government has taken proactive measures following reports of a purported marriage between a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in Akeddei community, Sagbama Local Government Area. Sunday PUNCH learned that the government has summoned the parents of the young girl and the man involved in this alleged union.
Expressing its strong disapproval, the government labeled the reported 'union' as illegal and not in alignment with local traditions or customs.
A joint statement from Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy, Chair of the Gender Response Initiative Team, and Mr. Paniebi Jacob, Director of Child Development at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, condemned the act as contrary to natural justice, fairness, and moral conscience.
Highlighting its commitment to preventing child marriages, the government reiterated its stance against such practices, emphasizing that the reported incident goes against the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law. The state authorities vowed to intervene and rescue the child from what has been dubiously labeled a 'spiritual affair.'
Acknowledging the involvement of the DO Foundation and other non-governmental organizations, the government expressed gratitude for their swift response and pledged to collaborate with the Bayelsa State Police Command to prevent future occurrences of such egregious acts.
Additionally, the statement revealed the cooperation of the Akeddei community's traditional ruler, who has committed to assisting the government by producing the individuals involved in the reported incident.
The government underscored its commitment to ensuring that Bayelsa State remains a safe and supportive environment for children and affirmed its determination to conclude this case in accordance with the law.
Despite media reports suggesting parental involvement in the marriage, the government stands firm in its stance against such actions, aligning itself with legal statutes and child welfare policies to safeguard the rights and well-being of minors within the state.
Punch
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