FG Halts Marriage of 100 Orphaned Girls by Niger Assembly Speaker

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has rescinded his backing for a controversial wedding arrangement intended for 100 female orphans within his constituency.

The girls, reportedly orphaned Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Niger State, were slated for marriage in a collective ceremony.

This decision came about following a legal intervention instigated by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye

In a press conference held on Tuesday, Speaker Sarkindaji cited the Minister’s legal challenge, accusing her of exceeding her official jurisdiction.

“The Minister has opted to take me to court over this issue, which I believe falls beyond the purview of her office,” Sarkindaji remarked. He further suggested that the Minister assume responsibility for the sponsorship of the wedding.

Previously, the Speaker had arranged financial backing for the ceremony, routing funds through local traditional leaders and religious figures to aid the families of the orphaned girls. Despite withdrawing support for the event, he reaffirmed his commitment to the financial promises already extended.

“I have ensured that the funds are available to the families of the girls, and I stand by my support,” he asserted.

Sarkindaji also clarified his initial intent behind sponsoring the event, emphasizing that it was aimed at alleviating the financial burdens on the girls’ families in accordance with Islamic principles, rather than serving as a constituency project or involving forced marriages, as some reports erroneously suggested.