Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Niger Speaker Over Marriage Plans for 100 Orphans

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn a lawsuit filed against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, regarding his plans to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.

In a statement to reporters on Friday, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the decision was made following collaborative efforts between the Ministry, the Speaker, and traditional rulers from Niger State to investigate the ages of the girls involved to ensure they meet the legal age requirements for marriage.

The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Women Affairs will now focus on empowering girls and supporting those affected by insecurity in the state.

The controversy began last week when Speaker Sarkindaji announced his intention to marry off 100 orphans as part of a strategy to alleviate their suffering. The announcement sparked national outrage and led to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urging the Minister to withdraw her legal actions and petition to the Inspector General of Police.

Malam Hassan Indabawa, Chairman of the Kano State Chapter of MURIC, criticized the Minister’s initial response, stating that it demonstrated a lack of understanding of the cultural and traditional practices of the Muslim North. He argued that the Minister’s actions were an attempt to vilify Speaker Sarkindaji and sway public opinion against the institution of marriage.

Indabawa highlighted that the girls in question were largely traumatized orphans who had lost both parents to banditry and insurgency, and the marriage plans were a means of providing stability and support.

The marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2024.