Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has taken legal action against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, to halt his plans of marrying off 100 orphaned girls. These girls tragically lost their parents in banditry attacks in the Mariga local government area.
Sarkindaji’s proposal to marry off these girls as part of his constituency project sparked outrage, with Kennedy-Ohanenye labeling it as “unacceptable.” She underscored the importance of protecting the rights of these vulnerable children, citing the Child’s Rights Act.
“I want to make it clear to the honorable speaker that this is unacceptable to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the government as a whole,” Kennedy-Ohanenye stated during a press briefing in Abuja. “We have initiated legal action to halt his plans until a thorough investigation is conducted to ensure the girls’ consent, ages, and the circumstances surrounding their marriages.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye also highlighted the importance of girl-child education and empowerment, criticizing Sarkindaji for not considering alternative means of support for the girls, such as education or skills training.
“We are committed to providing education and empowerment opportunities for these girls,” she asserted. “We will ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources to build their lives independently and make informed decisions about their future, including marriage.”
The minister warned of a “serious legal battle” if Sarkindaji proceeds against their efforts to protect the girls’ rights under the Child Rights Act, emphasizing that every child’s rights must be safeguarded from harm or exploitation.
