Niger State's Coalition Demands Sacking of Minister Over Mass Wedding Intervention

A coalition of youth and civil society organizations in Niger State has criticized the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, for attempting to halt a mass wedding of 100 orphaned girls sponsored by Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji. The coalition is calling for her immediate sacking and a written apology from media outlets.

The mass wedding, scheduled for May 24 in Mariga Local Government Area, is intended for 100 girls who lost their parents to banditry attacks. Speaker Sarkin-Daji, who is financing the event, has faced backlash for what critics see as a misuse of public funds and a violation of the girls' rights.

Minister Ohanenye has raised concerns about the welfare and futures of the girls, emphasizing the need to uphold the Child's Right Act. She has filed a petition with the Inspector-General of Police and sought a court injunction to prevent the wedding from taking place.

"The actions proposed by the Speaker are utterly unacceptable to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the government at large. We are duty-bound to uphold the Child's Right Act and ensure the welfare and future prospects of these girls," said Ohanenye.

The coalition of youth and civil society organizations argues that instead of arranging marriages, the government should focus on providing quality education and proper care for the orphaned girls. A petition opposing the mass wedding has gathered thousands of signatures, reflecting widespread public dismay.

"We urge the Niger State Government to uphold its duty to protect the rights of these orphaned girls by prioritising their education and well-being. Rather than subjecting them to forced marriages, we call upon the government to provide adequate support, including access to quality education and proper care in well-managed orphanage homes," stated concerned Nigerian citizens.

Speaker Sarkin-Daji has clarified that his involvement in the mass wedding is purely financial and not coercive. However, this has not quelled the controversy. Critics, including human rights activists, have expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of the girls and the legality of the marriages.

Minister Ohanenye has emphasized the importance of prioritizing the education and vocational training of the affected girls, rather than rushing them into marriage. She has warned that if the Speaker persists, her ministry is prepared for a legal battle.

The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some support the Minister's intervention, while others view it as an unnecessary hindrance to a culturally significant event. The Imams Forum of Niger has stated that the marriage ceremony should proceed, claiming the girls are not below the legal age of 18.

As the debate continues, the future of the mass wedding remains uncertain. The outcome will likely hinge on the ongoing investigations into the ages, consent, and welfare of the 100 girls involved.

Key Takeaways

• Niger State's Speaker plans to sponsor a mass wedding for 100 orphaned girls.
• Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, opposes the wedding, citing child rights concerns.
• Critics argue the girls should receive education and care instead of being forced into marriage.
• Speaker claims his involvement is financial, not coercive, but controversy persists.
• The wedding's fate depends on investigations into the girls' ages, consent, and welfare.