Minister drops lawsuit against Niger Speaker over marriage of 100 orphan girls

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has decided to withdraw the lawsuit she previously filed against Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly.

This decision comes after Sarkindaji’s announcement to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency, which sparked national outrage.

The minister, in collaboration with the Speaker and traditional rulers from the state, is currently investigating the ages of the girls to ensure that they are of legal age for marriage.

The Ministry of Women Affairs will now shift its focus towards empowering girls and others affected by insecurity in the state.

Read Also: Minister Lodges Petition with IGP Regarding Niger Speaker’s Proposal to Marry Off 100 Orphan Girls

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the minister to withdraw the litigation and petition she wrote to the Inspector General of Police, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural and traditional practices.

MURIC believes that the minister’s actions were an attempt to demonize the marriage institution and vilify Sarkindaji, despite his genuine concern for the well-being of his constituents.