In an unexpected twist, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has reversed his backing for a contentious wedding ceremony intended for 100 female orphans in his constituency. The young girls, reportedly orphaned internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Niger State, were at the center of a planned ceremony that has now been thrust into uncertainty.
The decision to withdraw support came in the wake of a legal intervention instigated by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohannaya, adding a new layer of complexity to the unfolding saga.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Speaker Sarkindaji cited the lawsuit brought forth by the Minister as the catalyst for his abrupt reversal, accusing her of encroaching upon her official jurisdiction. “The Minister has chosen to litigate against me in this matter, which I believe exceeds the boundaries of her office,” Sarkindaji asserted, implying that the Minister’s actions were unwarranted.
Sarkindaji proposed that the Minister assume responsibility for financing the wedding ceremony following his withdrawal of support. Despite stepping away from the event, he reiterated his commitment to honoring the financial commitments already extended, ensuring that the families of the orphaned girls would not be left in a lurch.
“I have ensured that the necessary funds are available to support the families of the girls, and I stand by my pledge,” Sarkindaji affirmed, underscoring his dedication to fulfilling the obligations made prior to the legal dispute.
Furthermore, Sarkindaji clarified the initial rationale behind his decision to sponsor the event, emphasizing that it was rooted in providing relief to the financial burdens faced by the girls’ families in accordance with Islamic principles. He dispelled misconceptions that portrayed the ceremony as a constituency project or as a coerced marriage, clarifying its humanitarian intent.
The unfolding saga surrounding the controversial orphan wedding ceremony continues to captivate public attention.
Credit: Leadership
