The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn a lawsuit she previously filed against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, concerning his decision to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.
Speaking with newsmen, the minister stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Speaker of the Niger State Assembly and traditional rulers from the state, is currently investigating the ages of the girls to ensure they meet the legal age for marriage.
She added 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 plans to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency as part of efforts to alleviate their suffering. The announcement sparked national outrage, prompting the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to urge the minister to withdraw her litigation and the petition she filed with the Inspector General of Police.
Malam Hassan Indabawa, Chairman of the Kano State Chapter of MURIC, made this appeal on Thursday night in a statement, urging Nigerians to respect other people’s cultures and 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.
“The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatized for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance of 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,” Indabawa said.