Rivers govt intervention halts OPM pastor’s marriage plans for autistic children
The Rivers State Government has intervened in the controversial marriage arrangement involving autistic children under the care of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), leading to the suspension of future plans by the church’s founder, Chibuzor Chinyere.
The development followed a meeting on Tuesday between the cleric and officials of the state Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, alongside the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State chapter, chaired by Tamunonuemi Life-George.
The meeting was convened to address rising public concerns over potential violations of child rights and improper childcare practices linked to the marriage arrangement, which authorities said may conflict with existing state laws.
Speaking after the engagement, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lauretta Davies Dimpka, said the intervention became necessary after it was discovered that the actions, though well-intentioned, did not align with legal provisions guiding child welfare in the state. She noted that the ministry’s position was guided by the Child Rights Law, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
Dimpka commended the cleric for honouring the invitation and described his response as cooperative, adding that he had agreed to comply with regulations, seek proper clearance in future and address identified lapses.
In his reaction, Chinyere described the meeting as an “eye opener,” admitting that he was unaware of certain requirements, including the need to formally register his orphanage with the state government and obtain approval before accommodating minors.
He subsequently announced the suspension of all future marriage plans involving autistic children under his care, stating that the decision would be permanent and that specialised medical personnel would be engaged to support them.
The cleric had earlier facilitated the marriage of an autistic young man, Aboy Chibuzor, to a single mother of three in March, and had also sought suitors for another autistic young woman before halting the process following the government’s intervention.
