Minister withdraws suit against Niger speaker over wedding to 100 orphans girls

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has withdrawn a lawsuit she previously filed against Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly after he arranged the marriages of 100 orphans from his constituency.

In a statement to reporters, the minister explained that the ministry, in collaboration with the speaker and traditional rulers from the state, is currently investigating the ages of the girls to ensure they meet the legal age for marriage.

She added that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs will now prioritise empowering girls and supporting those affected by insecurity in the state.

Pulse reported earlier that the Niger Speaker revealed plans to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency to help ease their hardships.

This announcement led to widespread national backlash, which led to the minister filing a lawsuit and complaint with the Inspector General of Police.

However, the Speaker lashed out at the minister for opposing the planned wedding as he noted that he had fulfilled all Islamic obligations and rights to marry the orphan girls whose parents were victims of bandit attack.

The marriage arrangement in question is slated to take place on May 24, 2024.