The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulamlik Sarkindaji, has called off the planned wedding for a hundred orphan girls, scheduled to take place in his constituency.
Sarkindaji explained that the decision was taken in response to a legal action taken by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, to stop the wedding.
The Speaker made this known today during a press briefing, where he expressed anger that the minister had gone beyond her jurisdiction.
He also stated that the minister would bear the cost of the wedding ceremony.
You will recall that the Speaker had unveiled a constituency project aimed at assisting female orphans affected by banditry in the state.
He also pledged to cover the dowries for the grooms, stating he had acquired all necessary materials for the proper marriage of the 100 girls.
However, the Minister of Women Affairs petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and sought a court injunction to stop Sarkindaji from marrying off the orphaned girls.
Kennedy-Ohanenye described the planned marriage as “unacceptable” emphasizing that a full-scale investigation has commenced on the issue.