FG to Sue Niger Speaker Over Plans to Marry Off 100 Girls

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Government has taken a decisive stance against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, regarding his controversial plans to sponsor the marriage of 100 girls.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has issued a petition to the Inspector-General of Police and filing for an injunction to halt the event scheduled for May 24.

She underscored the imperative of prioritizing the girls’ futures and announced the Ministry’s plans to assume responsibility for their education and vocational training.

The move comes amidst mounting criticism against Sarkin-Daji’s proposal, with opponents arguing vehemently against the notion of forced marriages.

In her statement, the minister emphasized:

“I want to let the honorable Speaker of the House in Niger state know that this is totally unacceptable by the Federal Minister of Women Affairs and by the government.

Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual. These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.”