The Minister of Women Affairs in Nigeria, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn a lawsuit she previously filed against Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, following his plan to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.
In a press briefing, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that her ministry, in collaboration with the speaker and traditional rulers from Niger State, is currently verifying the ages of the girls to ensure they meet the legal age for marriage. She 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 measure to alleviate their suffering. This move sparked national outrage, prompting the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to urge 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 on Thursday night calling for respect for cultural and traditional practices. He criticized the minister’s actions as hasty and uninformed about the culture of the Muslim North.
“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,” Indabawa said. “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 marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2024.
