Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, has filed a petition against the inspector-general of police, IGP and sought a court injunction to halt the marriage of 100 girls in Niger state.
It was gathered that Abdulmalik Sarkindaji who is the speaker of the Niger state house of assembly, last week announced he would sponsor the wedding of 100 girls, some of whom were orphaned by insurgency, as part of his Maringa constituency project in the country.
The had also procured materials for the event scheduled for 24th of May, 2024, and promised to pay dowries for the bridegrooms, freshreporters media had gathered.
However, following the wailing that trailed the declaration, the speaker revealed that he was only financing the wedding and not forcing the girls into marriage.
Reacting to the development, the Minister said the plan is unacceptable and that the future of the girls should be a priority.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Monday, 14th of May, 2024 the minister said a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issue will be carried out.
She stressed the ministry will take responsibility for the girls’ education and vocational training.
She said,
“I want to let the honorable speaker of house in Niger state know that this is totally unacceptable by Federal Minister Of Women Affairs and by the government. “
“Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual. “
“These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered. So I have gone to court. “
“I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of police. And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them.” She said. [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>
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