The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has initiated legal proceedings against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji.
This action comes in response to Sarkin-Daji’s controversial plan to sponsor the marriage of 100 girls who were orphaned by insurgency.
Kennedy-Ohanenye has approached the court of law and petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, to halt Sarkin-Daji’s proposed mass wedding scheduled for May 24. The minister has expressed deep reservations about the initiative, stating the importance of prioritizing the future and well-being of the girls involved.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye stated the government’s commitment to upholding laws safeguarding the rights of children, in line with the Child’s Right Act. She stressed that such practices are no longer acceptable in modern society and declared that proactive measures must be taken to protect the girls’ futures.
Sarkin-Daji, in his defense, clarified that his intention was to support the wedding financially and not coerce the girls into marriage. He stated that some of the girls were orphaned by insurgency and saw the sponsorship as part of his constituency project.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that the well-being and empowerment of the girls should be paramount. She pledged that the Ministry of Women Affairs would assume responsibility for the education and vocational training of the girls, ensuring they have opportunities for a better future.
“We are not only concerned about stopping this event but also about providing sustainable solutions for these girls,” Kennedy-Ohanenye declared. “Education and skills training will equip them to make informed choices about their lives and marriages.”
The minister warned of a potential legal battle if Sarkin-Daji proceeds against the ministry’s objections.
