Controversy surrounds the planned wedding of 100 female orphans by the Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, as the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and sought a court injunction to halt the proposed marriage.
GOLDEN PAGE MAGAZINE earleir reported that the Speaker announced his intention to marry off orphaned girls who lost their parents due to banditry attacks in the Mariga local government area of the state as part of his constituency project on May 24.
He claimed that the gesture was aimed at reducing the suffering of the downtrodden and promised to cover the dowries for the bridegrooms and acquire wedding materials for the mass wedding.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, at a news conference in Abuja, declared the planned mass wedding as unacceptable and announced that a full-scale investigation has commenced into the matter.
“I want to inform the honorable speaker of the Niger State House that this action is unacceptable to the Federal Ministry Of Women Affairs and by extension the federal government. There is something called the Child’s Rights Act, and I stated from the onset, that it is no longer business as usual.
“The future of these children must be considered, and a future must be built for them before thinking of marrying them off. Therefore, I have gone to court, written a letter, and petitioned the IG of the police. I have filed for an injunction to stop the planned event until a thorough investigation is conducted on the girls, including their consent, ages, and the people marrying them,” she stated.
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The minister emphasized the importance of girl-child education and empowerment and condemned the Speaker for not considering empowerment initiatives or education for the girls, opting instead for marriage.
“The ministry will take up the responsibility to educate and empower these children. Those who do not wish to pursue formal education will be trained in skills and provided with sustainable empowerment tools to build their lives and make informed decisions about marriage.
“If the Speaker proceeds contrary to these measures, there will be a legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” she warned.
She stressed that the Child Rights Act stipulates that every child belongs to the state, and their rights must be protected from harm, violence, or any infringement.
The proposed mega wedding has sparked concerns among Nigerians, who view it as a poorly thought-out plan by the Speaker.
