The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has secured an injunction against the proposed mass wedding of 100 orphaned girls in Niger state.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, made this known at the distribution of the first phase of free 1,000 Units of Point of Sales, (POS), machines among some women in the FCT.
The minister filed the suit through her lawyer, Daniel Omakor on behalf of 100 orphaned girls, who are in the throes of being given out to marriage by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly.
The minister said Justice Abdullahi Mikailu made the order restraining Sarkin Daji, whether acting by himself or through his agents or privies from proceeding with the payment of dowries ahead of the planned marriage on May 24 or any other date.
The restraining is pending the determination of the substantive Motion on Notice dated 15/5/2024.
According to the minister, the plan to marry off the girls is a violation of their rights.
“When you see something, say something. Move on to support issues of any maltreatment of young girls, babies and women.
“Give your support to this movement. Don’t keep quiet, let us not lose our voices. With this injunction, can anybody marry out our girls,?” she asked.
It will be recalled that Sarkindaji, the Speaker, had earlier announced his plans to marry off 100 orphan girls as part of his constituency project and as a way of alleviating poverty.
Sarkindaji explained that the girls became orphaned as a result of attacks by bandits in Mariga Local Government Area, in his constituency.
By Justina Auta
