Chibuzor Chinyere, general overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), has suspended all future marriage plans for autistic children under his care following a meeting with the Rivers State government.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, was convened by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), led by chairperson Tamunonuemi Life-George. It was organized in response to public concerns about potential child rights violations after Chinyere had arranged a marriage for his autistic son and sought a spouse for his autistic daughter.
Lauretta Davies Dimpka, permanent secretary of the ministry, stated that the intervention became necessary when it was found that the cleric’s actions, although well-intentioned, were not in alignment with state laws. She explained that the ministry’s stance was guided by the Child Rights Law, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. Dimpka thanked Chinyere for his cooperation, commending his humility and his willingness to correct any breaches and seek ministry clearance for future actions.
Chinyere, describing the meeting as an eye opener, promised to comply with all relevant regulations. He acknowledged being unaware of certain requirements, such as registering his orphanage with the state ministry and obtaining approval to house minors. Subsequently, he announced on his verified Facebook page that all future marriage plans for his autistic children have been suspended permanently, and that special doctors would be engaged for their care.
Previously, Chinyere had facilitated the marriage of Aboy Chibuzor, an autistic young man in his care, to a single mother of three from Edo State on March 29. He had also sought suitors for a 21-year-old autistic daughter, but suspended the process after receiving about 1,000 applications and following the government meeting.
