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Agony of girl child as Parliament proposes Bill to allow 9years old girls marry

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A proposed bill in Iraq’s Parliament to lower the legal marriage age for girls to just nine years has triggered significant controversy. Introduced by the Iraq Justice Ministry, the bill aims to amend the Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum age for marriage at 18.
The proposed bill will reduce the marriage age for girls
If enacted, the bill would allow girls as young as nine and boys as young as 15 to marry. This change has raised concerns about increased child marriage and exploitation. Critics argue that it would reverse progress in women’s rights and gender equality.
Human rights organizations, women’s groups, and civil society activists have strongly opposed the bill. They warn it would negatively impact young girls’ education, health, and well-being, leading to higher dropout rates, early pregnancies, and increased domestic violence. UNICEF reports that 28 percent of girls in Iraq are already married before 18.
“Passing this law would show a country moving backward, not forwards,” said Sarah Sanbar, a researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Propose Changes in Iraq Marriage Bill
The bill proposes allowing citizens to choose between religious authorities or civil judiciary for family matters. Critics fear this could erode rights related to inheritance, divorce, and child custody. The bill’s proponents argue it would standardize Islamic law and protect young girls from “immoral relationships,” but opponents believe this justification is flawed.
In late July, the parliament withdrew the proposed changes due to objections from many lawmakers. However, the bill reappeared in an August 4 session after gaining support from influential Shia blocs.
The draft bill stipulates that couples must choose between the Sunni or Shia sect for “all matters of personal status.”
It specifies that in the event of a dispute between spouses about the doctrine under which their marriage contract was made, the contract will be considered valid under the husband’s doctrine unless proven otherwise.
The proposed change would allow the Shiite and Sunni endowments to officiate marriages instead of the courts.
Additionally, the draft bill mandates that Shia and Sunni endowments present a “code of legal rulings” to the Iraqi Parliament within six months of the amendments being ratified.
Historical Context
The proposed amendment would reverse changes made by the 1959 legislation, which transferred family law authority from religious figures to the state judiciary. The new bill would reintroduce the option for applying religious rules, mainly from Shia and Sunni Islam, but does not address other religious or sectarian communities in Iraq.
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2025 Budget is ambitious, growth sustaining -Prof Nnamchi

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Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, a federal lawmaker, has praised the 2025 national budget proposal, calling it ambitious and growth-sustaining.

He believed that the budget was aimed at reassessing the government’s transformation agenda, its impact on the production and the overall economy in addition to making sure that the government’s monetary and fiscal policies were in tandem.

The proposed budget according to him, “is expected to bring down interest rates, support investments, promote production, and sustain growth and reduce inflation. He stressed.

Professor Nnamchi also acknowledged the progress made in security, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has contributed to the increase in oil production from 1.2 barrels a day to 1.8 barrels a day.

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Key highlights of the budget proposal include: A significant allocation to security, which Professor Nnamchi observed that it was crucial for addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of staple foods.

“Increase in oil production and agriculture due to improved security situation in the troubled areas will raise our GDP significantly, which could bring down inflation from 39% to 15 % going by medium term expenditure frameworks”
He noted stressing that the budget outlined proposed measures that would also support investments, promote production, and sustain growth while reducing inflation.

Such measures, he stated includes investments in infrastructure development, which were expected to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign direct investments.

“While ambitious, this budget is grounded in sound economic principles, and its successful implementation will depend on our collective resolve as representatives of the people to ensure that every naira allocated serves its purpose and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.”

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Overall, Professor Nnamchi emphasized the need to prioritize national interest and work towards moving the nation forward urging that Nigeria should be placed above sectional interest.

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Work for Peace and Unity of Nigeria’, Obi tasks Ohaneaze president, Mbata

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The leader of the opposition Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has admonished the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Azuta Mbata to work towards peace and unity of the nation.

Writing on his X handle in a congratulatory message to the Executive, Obi urged the new Executive to leverage their position, which shows the people’s confidence in them to strengthen the Igbo family and unite the country.

“On behalf of my family and the Obedient movement, I congratulate the Newly Elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; the Secretary-General, Emeka Sibeudu, and other newly elected executive members, on their emergence as the leaders of the noble organization.

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“Their emergence as the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body that unites the Igbo people, underscores the level of confidence and hope the people have in their leadership ability and their commitment to the development of the region and the nation in general.

“I pray that they will leverage their new offices to continue to work for the peace and unity of our nation and contribute immeasurably to ideas that will drive development, peace, and progress among the people.

“May God give you all, the wisdom and strength to serve the people.
A New Nigeria remains Possible.

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Minor cabinet reshuffle: Delta gov redeploys Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties

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In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has redeployed Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties.

As part of the changes, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties.

In the interim, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, will oversee the Ministry of Information.

Also, a reliable source within the inner circle of the government has also verified the same development.

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There are mixed reactions among journalists regarding Governor Oborevwori’s directive for the Ministry of Information to be overseen by Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.

This sentiment stems from lingering grievances over the fallout between journalists and the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with Okowa’s refusal to acknowledge their efforts during his eight-year tenure with a ‘parting gift.’

It is worth recalling that Okowa was accused of denying journalists of same gesture of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, fully implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extended to media professionals, both government house press crew and those outside the Government House.

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