The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has announced the cancellation of his support for the planned mass wedding of 100 orphans in his constituency.
This decision comes after the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, raised concerns about child rights abuse and petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to stop the planned marriage.
Sarkindaji expressed disappointment over the minister’s position and the negative media reports, stating that he was never contacted for clarity before conclusions were drawn. He had initially intended to support the orphans whose parents cannot afford marital expenses.
The minister had condemned the proposed marriages, citing violations of the Child Rights Act and concerns about the ages and consent of the girls involved.
She also filed for a court injunction to stop the planned marriage, citing the need to protect the young girls from being married to bandits.
