In the ensuing war against repressive practices around parts of the country, the federal government, together with non governmental organizations, has issued a stern warning to perpetrators.
The admonition comes in the wake of a proposal by the speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, to marry off 100 females who lost their parents to banditry attacks in Mariga Local Government Area of the State.
Although Sarkindaji argued that this decision was a humanitarian effort to lift the girls out of poverty, many have kicked against the decision, sthat the gesture is akin to the repressive custom of child marriage
The Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, for instance, has reacted vehemently to the proposed mass marriage, billed for May 24, 2024.
Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the honorable minister, expressed her disapproval at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, May 14.
While acknowledging the good intentions of the Speaker, who pledged to pay the dowries of the bridegroom as well as sponsor the mass marriage, Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye suggested that the Speaker give the females the freedom to make their own decisions.
According to the minister, developing and empowering the females through education, skills acquisition, and other forms of empowerment would translate to an overall development of society instead.
“These girls like their contemporaries in the country and globe, have great potentials and talents and as such need to be given the opportunity to develop and reach their optimum in life.”
She maintained that prioritizing education and empowerment over early marriage would help the girls make better life choices and minimize the attendant effects of gender-based violence and out-of-school children.
While she directed the speaker to reconsider the decision, which contravenes the Child’s Rights Act, Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye disclosed that the Ministry had petitioned Inspector-General of Police while seeking a court injunction to put a hold on the sponsored marriage until further investigation, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to the welfare of women and children.
Meanwhile, several individuals and organizations have staged online petitions against the proposed marriages, even as Sarkindaji maintained that he has the consent of religious leaders and the orphans’ community.
