The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulamlik Sarkindaji, has canceled the planned mass wedding for 100 orphan girls in his constituency, citing interference from the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Sarkindaji expressed his frustration, stating that the minister had overstepped her jurisdiction by taking legal action to halt the wedding. He further declared that the minister would now be responsible for covering the costs of the ceremony.
The initiative, which Sarkindaji had unveiled as a constituency project, aimed to assist female orphans affected by banditry in the state. Representing the Mariga State Constituency, the Speaker had planned to marry off 100 female orphans, covering their dowries and ensuring all necessary materials for their proper marriage according to Islamic traditions.
The Speaker had assured that the girls’ comfort in their matrimonial homes was arranged, just as it would be for any other child marrying according to Islamic traditions.
However, Minister Uju Ohanenye petitioned the Inspector General of Police and sought a court injunction to stop the wedding, describing the plan as “unacceptable” and calling for a full-scale investigation into the matter.
