The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has announced his withdrawal from sponsoring the mass wedding of 100 orphaned girls in his constituency.
This decision comes after the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, opposed the arrangement, citing a violation of the Child Rights Act. Sarkindaji claims the minister’s opposition is based on misinformation and a lack of understanding of the situation.
The Speaker explained that the girls, who have reached marriageable age, were unable to get married due to poverty or being orphans.
He had selected 100 girls from 270 applicants to sponsor their weddings. Despite withdrawing his support, Sarkindaji will not retract the monetary donations made to the girls’ parents.
Sarkindaji criticized the minister for not consulting with him before taking action and for politicizing the issue. He emphasized that his intention was humanitarian and had the blessing of the parents, religious leaders, and traditional leaders.
The Speaker invited the minister to visit his constituency and support the parents instead of trying to stop the weddings. The Minister of Women Affairs had condemned the planned mass wedding, stating it was unacceptable and violated the Child Rights Act.
She had petitioned the Inspector General of Police to stop the wedding and filed a suit for an injunction. The Speaker’s withdrawal from the arrangement leaves the fate of the weddings uncertain.