In an attempt to prevent Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji of the Niger State House of Assembly from marrying off 100 orphaned girls, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, has filed a petition with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and requested a judicial injunction.
The Speaker recently declared that as part of his constituency projects, he will marry off the orphaned girls who lost their parents as a result of banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area on May 24.
Aiming to “alleviate the suffering of the impoverished,” he declared, promising to cover the bridegrooms’ dowries and purchase supplies for the mass marriage.
While briefing reporters in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye called the proposals “unacceptable” and emphasized that a thorough inquiry had been launched into the matter.
“I want to let the honourable speaker of the house in Niger states know that this is unacceptable by the Federal Minister Of Women Affairs and by the government unacceptable.
“Because there is something called the Child’s Rights Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual.
“These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.
“So I have gone to court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of the police.
”And I have filed for an injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them,” she said.
The minister emphasized the need to guarantee the education and empowerment of girls, but she also emphasized the necessity noting that “As the speaker did not think about empowering these women or sending them to school or giving them some kind of training support financially.”
“The ministry has decided to take it up and we are going to educate the children.
“Those that do not want to go to school, we will train them in skill, empower them with sustainable empowerment machines to enable that child build his or her life and make up her mind who and when to get married.
” If for any reason the Speaker tries to do contrary to what I have just mentioned there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” she said.
The minister went on to emphasize that every child is a citizen of the state and that, as such, their rights are safeguarded from abuse, violence, and other violations. This is in line with the kid Rights Act.
