Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, has petitioned the inspector-general of police (IGP) and sought a court injunction to halt the marriage of 100 girls in Niger state.
Recall that Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, speaker of the Niger state house of assembly, said he would sponsor the wedding of 100 girls (orphans),who lost their parents in banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger state, as part of his constituency project.
Many in the polity countered this announcement but the speaker explained that he was only financing the wedding, not forcing the girls into marriage.
Reacting to the public outcry, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the plan is unacceptable, and that the future of the girls should be a priority, The Cable reported.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, May 13, the minister said a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issue will be carried out. She added that the ministry will take responsibility for the girlsâ education and vocational training, RadioNigeria reported.
In a piece of related news, TimesNow.com.ng reported that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate during the February 2023 election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, joined 1,700 couples at a state-sponsored mass wedding.
Kwankwaso was the representative of the grooms, while Governor Yusuf was the representative (Wali) of the brides.
Kwankwaso counselled the couples who participated in the mass wedding. He urged them not to check their spousesâ phones, which could help prevent marriages from falling apart.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
