By Gabriel Ani
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has announced the withdrawal of the lawsuit she filed against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, following his decision to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency. The minister had initially petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and sought a court injunction to stop the weddings.
In a statement to newsmen, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye explained, “My Ministry, in collaboration with the Speaker of the Niger State Assembly and traditional rulers in the state, are currently investigating the ages of the girls to ascertain if they are within the stipulated age for marriage.”
The minister emphasized that the focus will now shift to empowering girls and others affected by insecurity in the state. “The Ministry of Women Affairs will, for now, concentrate on empowering girls and those affected by the ongoing insecurity,” she added.
The controversy began last week when Speaker Sarkindaji announced plans to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency as a measure to alleviate their sufferings. This move sparked national outrage and prompted the minister’s initial legal action.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) called on the minister to withdraw her litigation and petition to the IGP. Malam Hassan Indabawa, Chairman of the Kano State Chapter of MURIC, criticized the minister’s actions, urging respect for cultural traditions.
“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 stated. “The minister’s attempt at media demonization of marrying off of 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatized for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance to the culture and traditions of the Muslim North.”
He further commented, “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.”
As the investigation into the ages of the orphans continues, the Ministry of Women Affairs aims to ensure the protection and empowerment of vulnerable girls across the state.
