Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking a court injunction to halt the planned marriage of 100 girls in Niger State, News About Nigeria reports.
The move comes in response to the announcement made by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, regarding his sponsorship of the mass wedding as part of his Maringa constituency project.
Sarkindaji had revealed his intention to organise the wedding for 100 girls, some of whom were orphaned by insurgency, with plans to cover the costs, including dowries for the bridegrooms.
However, the announcement sparked widespread criticism and concerns regarding the welfare and rights of the girls involved.
In response to the outcry, Speaker Sarkindaji clarified that he was merely financing the wedding and not coercing the girls into marriage.
Nevertheless, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye has deemed the plan unacceptable, stating that the future and well-being of the girls should be a priority.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the minister said her ministry will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the issue.
She said that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs would take responsibility for the education and vocational training of the girls, ensuring that their rights are protected and their futures are secured.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stressed that every child’s rights must be upheld, citing the Child Rights Act, which affirms that every child belongs to the state and should be safeguarded from harm and violence.
She said that her ministry would not hesitate to engage in a legal battle to prevent any actions contrary to the welfare of the girls involved.
