The Rivers State government has engaged the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry, (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere with a view to ensuring the sanctity of the state child rights law with regards to the marriage of autistic minor being facilitated by the church.
The state Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in conjunction with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State chapter convened a meeting attended by the general overseer of OPM.
Speaking after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Dimpka, explained that the engagement became necessary after the ministry identified actions by the OPM general overseer which, though done in good faith, were not in tandem with existing laws in the state.
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She cited the Child Right Law, the Persons with Disability Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP), as a guiding instruments for the ministry’s position.
She however, thanked Apostle Chinyere for honouring the ministry’s invitation and commended his humility, noting he has pledged to seek clearance from the Ministry going forward and correct identified breaches.
Also speaking, Apostle Chinyere admitted that he was unaware of some requirements, including the need to register his orphanage with the state government through the Ministry of Social Welfare and get approval to house minors.
Describing the meeting as an eye opener, the OPM general overseer promised immediate compliance.
