THE Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Odion Ugbesia, who was accused by women groups for allegedly voting in favour of child marriage came under attack again, yesterday, when thousands of women, including members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, and other women organisations in Edo State, staged a protest against the Senate’s decision to retain Section 29 (4) (B) in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Senator Ugbesia had, last week, denied allegation that he voted in favour of child marriage, saying that as a member of the constitution review committee, the issue of child marriage was never presented before them, therefore, the allegation against him was unfounded and untrue.
Describing Ugbesia’s reaction as nonsensical, Chairperson of FIDA in Edo State, Stella Ojeme, told newsmen in Benin that they want “Section 29(4)(b) expunged in its entirety as it affirms the act of lecherous men who have and/or intend to marry under-aged girl child and want them to be regarded as persons of full age, whether for the renunciation of citizenship or other purposes.”
Meanwhile, 29 organisations in the UK, Canada, USA and Italy, in letter to Ugbesia, said his vote for the retention of the controversial clause was a vote for child abuse, which they argue negates the principles of the Child Rights Act passed by the National Assembly, which had been domesticated by several state Houses of Assembly.
Some of the groups are Association Against Women Export, AAWE, led by Rosalin Okosun; Voices of Edo Women, led by Dr. Joan Oviawe, religious organisations and professional groups.
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