In a recent turn of events, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has retracted the lawsuit previously initiated against Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly.
The legal action concerned Sarkindaji’s proposal to facilitate the marriage of 100 orphaned girls within his electoral district.
Addressing the press this Friday, Kennedy-Ohanenye disclosed that her ministry is working closely with the Speaker and local traditional leaders to verify the ages of the girls, ensuring they meet the legal age requirements for marriage.
The minister emphasized that the Ministry’s immediate priority is to empower young women and support those impacted by the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The Speaker’s announcement last week, detailing his plan to arrange marriages for 100 orphans as a means to mitigate their hardships, had previously ignited widespread controversy.
However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) advocated for the withdrawal of the minister’s lawsuit and the complaint submitted to the Inspector General of Police. Malam Hassan Indabawa, the Chairman of MURIC’s Kano State Chapter, called for mutual respect for diverse cultural practices and traditions in a statement released Thursday night.
“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.
“The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off of 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatised for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance to the culture and traditions of the Muslim North.
“This elaborate media blitz, over the matter, MURIC observed, was deliberately done to sway public opinion against the marriage institution, and an attempt to vilify Sarkin-Daji, after demonstrating his genuine concern for the needs of members of his constituency,”
The planned collective wedding ceremony is scheduled to occur on May 24, 2024.
