Minister Petitions IG to Halt Mass Marriage Plans for Orphaned Girls in Niger

Minister for Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has taken a decisive step by petitioning the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and seeking a court injunction to halt the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji’s plans to marry off 100 orphaned girls.

The Speaker’s announcement of plans to marry off the orphaned girls, who lost their parents to banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area, as part of his constituency projects on May 24, has stirred controversy. He proposed the gesture to alleviate the suffering of the impoverished, pledging to cover the dowries for the bridegrooms and provide materials for the mass marriage.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, addressing the media in Abuja, condemned the plans as unacceptable and emphasized that a full-scale investigation has been initiated. She stressed the significance of considering the rights and future of the orphaned girls, highlighting the Child’s Rights Act.

Expressing concern for the girls’ education and empowerment, Kennedy-Ohanenye underscored the need for proper investigation into the matter. She outlined legal actions taken to ensure the protection of the girls’ rights and welfare, including filing for an injunction to halt the planned marriage until thorough investigations are conducted.

The minister outlined plans by her ministry to provide educational and vocational opportunities for the girls, emphasizing the importance of empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives. She warned of potential legal repercussions if the Speaker proceeds against the ministry’s efforts to safeguard the girls’ rights.

Emphasizing the protection of children’s rights under the Child Rights Act, Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of vulnerable children, including those orphaned by tragic circumstances.