(By Gyang Bere – JOS)
President of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dachollom Datiri, has accused some prominent northern leaders for allegedly converting and forcefully marrying minors.
He urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against the leaders in question, some of whom he claims are in the National Assembly.
Rev. Datiri stated this yesterday while declaring open the 91 general church council meeting, held at the COCIN headquarters Jos.
The clergyman said the church will continue to kick against early marriage and rape.
Datiri described the action of the lawmakers involved in the practice as shameful and inhuman, adding that such persons should be treated as kidnappers for abducting teenage girls.
“The alleged conversion and marriage of minors by key leaders in this country is, at best laughable. Anyone less than 18-years-old is considered a minor and incapable of making legally binding choices according to the Nigeria Constitution.
“This action by some prominent leaders in Northern Nigeria is shameful, barbaric and inhuman. We call on the Federal government to prevail on such leaders to do the right thing as civilized, reasonable and honourable persons.”
He urged President Muhamadu Buhari to redouble efforts and rescue other abducted Chibok girls who are still languishing in captivity. He also called for security against the wave of marauding herdsmen in parts of the country harassing communities and killing innocent farmers.
Datiri added that for the federal government to win the war against Book Haram, there needs to be a serious crackdown on double-agent security operatives collaborating with the terror group.