The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn a lawsuit she filed against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, following his plan to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.
Speaking to reporters, Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the ministry, in collaboration with the speaker and traditional rulers from the state, is currently investigating the ages of the girls to ensure they are within the stipulated age for marriage, as reported by Channels TV.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs will, for now, focus on empowering girls, as well as others affected by insecurity in the state,” she stated.
Last week, Speaker Sarkindaji announced his intention to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency to alleviate their suffering, sparking national outrage. In response, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urged the minister to withdraw her litigation and petition to the Inspector General of Police.
Malam Hassan Indabawa, Chairman of MURIC’s Kano State Chapter, issued a statement urging respect for cultural and traditional practices. “We found the harsh and hasty decision taken by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs over a matter that is entirely beyond the scope of her ministry,” he said.
“The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatised for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance of the culture and traditions of the Muslim North.
“This elaborate media blitz was deliberately done to sway public opinion against the marriage institution and an attempt to vilify Sarkindaji after demonstrating his genuine concern for the needs of his constituency,” Indabawa added.
The marriage arrangement is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2024.
