Following her initial confrontation with Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, and traditional institutions over plans to marry off 100 orphaned girls,
Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has announced a collaborative effort with state stakeholders to support the would-be brides. Despite this cooperation, the minister has decided not to withdraw the lawsuit she filed to halt the mass marriage.
In a press briefing held in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye confirmed that she, alongside His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Muazu, the Emir of Kontagora, and the Speaker, reached a consensus on empowering the girls in various ways. Expressing her concerns about the girls’ future welfare, the minister emphasized that ensuring their husbands could care for them adequately was a key issue.
“This is among the reasons I went to court as soon as I heard, to get an injunction to stop the marriage from taking place,” Kennedy-Ohanenye stated. She highlighted that the court granted the injunction within 48 hours of her filing.
Reflecting on the situation, the minister remarked, “To think that this kind of thing still happens in Nigeria is unbelievable.” She recounted receiving calls for peace from traditional leaders, including the Etsu Nupe and the Emir of Kontagora, after securing the injunction.
“We later resolved the issue, taking decisions that will be beneficial to these ladies,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said, noting the Emir’s commitment to a thorough investigation before any marriages proceed. “To me, this solves the problem.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye clarified that her actions were motivated by her role as a protector of women’s rights, not religious considerations. She outlined the ministry’s new partnership with the Niger State House of Assembly to provide education and vocational training for the girls, ensuring sustainable economic empowerment.
The Speaker had informed the minister that the girls’ village had been overrun by bandits, making it a hotspot for insurgent activities. The minister assured that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu would address the suffering of affected communities.
The Ministry of Women Affairs will focus on empowering the girls and others impacted by insecurity in the state. Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated in a tweet that the court case would remain active until all due processes were completed.
Last week, Speaker Sarkindaji announced the plan to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency to alleviate their hardships, a move that sparked national controversy. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urged the minister to withdraw her lawsuit and petition to the Inspector General of Police, emphasizing respect for cultural and traditional practices.
MURIC’s Kano State Chairman, Malam Hassan Indabawa, criticized the minister’s actions as hasty and ignorant of Northern Muslim traditions. He argued that the media coverage was an attempt to vilify the Speaker and the institution of marriage.
The marriage ceremony is scheduled for May 24, 2024.
