In a bold move to halt what she deemed an unacceptable endeavor, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has launched a legal offensive against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, over his plans to marry off 100 orphaned girls. The contentious proposal, announced by the Speaker as part of his constituency projects, has sparked outrage and prompted swift action from the Minister.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, addressing reporters in Abuja, minced no words in denouncing the Speaker’s intentions, asserting that the planned mass marriage of orphaned girls was contrary to established legal frameworks and humanitarian principles. “I want to make it unequivocally clear to the honorable speaker of the house in Niger State that this is unacceptable to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and to the government,” she declared, emphasizing the need to safeguard the rights and welfare of the vulnerable girls.

Citing concerns over the welfare and future prospects of the girls, Kennedy-Ohanenye stressed the imperative of conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. “I have taken legal action by filing a petition to the Inspector General of Police and seeking an injunction through the courts to prevent him from proceeding with his plans until a comprehensive inquiry is conducted,” she explained, outlining her strategy to challenge the Speaker’s initiative through legal channels.

Highlighting the significance of girl-child education and empowerment, the Minister lamented the lack of consideration for the long-term well-being of the girls in the Speaker’s proposal. “The speaker failed to prioritize the empowerment and education of these girls, opting instead for a course of action that disregards their rights and potential,” she remarked, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to providing alternative avenues for the girls’ development.

Kennedy-Ohanenye outlined the ministry’s intervention strategy, which includes educational opportunities and skills training to equip the girls with the tools for self-reliance and decision-making. “We will offer education and skill development programs to these girls, enabling them to chart their own paths and make informed choices about their futures,” she affirmed, signaling the ministry’s proactive approach to addressing the underlying issues.

Asserting the government’s obligation to protect the rights of every child, the Minister invoked the provisions of the Child Rights Act as a guiding framework for ensuring the well-being and safety of vulnerable children. “Under the Child Rights Act, every child is entitled to state protection from harm and exploitation, and we will spare no effort in upholding these rights,” she concluded, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of all children.

The Minister’s decisive stance sets the stage for a legal showdown with the Speaker, underscoring the gravity of the controversy surrounding the proposed mass marriage and the broader implications for child welfare and protection.

Credit: NAN