The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn a lawsuit against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, who planned to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.
In a recent press briefing, the minister mentioned that her ministry, in collaboration with the Niger State assembly and local traditional rulers, is investigating the ages of the girls to ensure they meet the legal age for marriage.
Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the Ministry of Women Affairs will now focus on empowering girls and others affected by insecurity in the state.
Last week, Speaker Sarkindaji announced his intention to marry off 100 orphans as a way to alleviate their suffering. This plan sparked national outrage, prompting the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to call on the minister to retract her litigation and petition to the Inspector General of Police.
MURIC’s Kano State Chairman, Malam Hassan Indabawa, criticized the minister’s actions, urging Nigerians to respect cultural traditions. He expressed that the minister’s response was harsh and outside her ministry’s scope, accusing her of trying to sway public opinion against the marriage and vilify Sarkindaji, who he believes is genuinely concerned for his constituency.
The marriage ceremony is scheduled for May 24, 2024.
