Minister Withdraws Orphan-Marriage Suit Against Niger Assembly Speaker

Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn her legal suit against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, regarding his plan to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.

The minister announced the withdrawal during a press briefing, explaining that her ministry, in collaboration with the speaker and traditional rulers, is investigating the ages of the girls involved to ensure they meet the legal marriage age.

Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that her ministry’s current priority is empowering girls and others affected by insecurity in the state.

Speaker Sarkindaji’s announcement last week about the mass marriage was intended to alleviate the suffering of orphans in his constituency, a move that sparked national controversy. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urged the minister to withdraw her legal actions and respect cultural practices.

MURIC’s Kano State Chapter Chairman, Malam Hassan Indabawa, criticized the minister’s actions as hasty and misinformed, arguing that they disrespected Northern Muslim traditions and overlooked the orphans’ dire circumstances.

The marriage event is scheduled for May 24, 2024.