The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to withdraw her litigation and petition against the proposed sponsorship of the marriage of 100 orphaned girls in Niger State.
Okay.ng had reported that the Niger State Assembly Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkin-daji bowed to pressure and cancelled the planned weddings.
The Chairman of the Kano State Chapter of MURIC, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, made the call on Thursday, stating that the minister’s actions were an attempt to disrespect the culture and traditions of the Muslim North.
He argued that the marriage arrangement, sponsored by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, was a genuine effort to support orphaned girls who had lost their parents to banditry and insurgency.
Indabawa criticized the minister’s decision to approach the court and petition the Inspector General of Police, stating that it was beyond the scope of her ministry. He also accused her of attempting to sway public opinion against the marriage institution and vilify Sarkin-Daji.
The marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2024. MURIC has urged Nigerians to respect one another’s culture and traditions, and to support efforts to help vulnerable members of society.
