The Bayelsa State Government has extended an invitation to the parents of a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man involved in an alleged marriage in Akeddei community, Sagbama Local Government Area…CONTINUE READING

Expressing disapproval of the situation, the state government, represented by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development and the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), has deemed the reported traditional marriage repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience.

Last Thursday, numerous child rights advocacy groups in Bayelsa State raised objections to the purported marriage, denouncing it as illegal, criminal, and a violation of constitutional and child rights standards.

In response, the Director of Child Development at the ministry, Mr. Panebi Jacob; GRIT Chairman, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy Harry Esq., and the State Human Rights Commission issued a joint statement on Saturday.

They confirmed that the traditional ruler of Akeddei community had responded to the government’s summons, pledging to provide the child, her parents, the 54-year-old man, the youth leader, and the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC).

The statement underscored the Bayelsa State Government’s firm stance against child marriage, citing the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law as a testament to their commitment.

The authorities expressed their determination to rescue the child from those involved in the purported illegal ceremony, emphasizing that such practices contradict established laws and standards.

Collaborating with the Bayelsa State Police Command, the government intends to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the state.

The statement conveyed the state’s appreciation to non-governmental organizations, including Fida and DO Foundation, for their swift intervention in safeguarding the welfare of the innocent child. It affirmed Bayelsa State’s child-friendly stance and declared the commitment to pursue the case to a logical conclusion.