After much controversy arose around the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji’s decision to fund the weddings of more than 100 girls in his constituency in Mariga Local Government Area, he has decided to suspend his plans.
However, he stated that all the costs incurred and materials purchased for the weddings would be given to the parents of the brides. Sarkindaji mentioned, “If the parents wish to proceed with their daughters’ marriages, that’s their choice, but I am no longer involved.”
The speaker announced his withdrawal from the mass wedding in Minna yesterday, during a press conference to address the misunderstandings caused by his initial intentions.
He expressed disappointment with the Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, accusing her of exaggerating the situation without confirming his motives behind the gesture first.
Sarkindaji clarified, “I am very disappointed in the Minister for Women Affairs. It’s regrettable that she allowed herself to be misled by social media reports without verifying the truth from me regarding this marriage issue. She never reached out to me to understand the reasons behind this humanitarian act because no girl was forced into marriage. It was the parents who approached me seeking support, and I willingly agreed to help.”
He continued, “All necessary consultations with religious and traditional leaders and other important stakeholders were done before carefully selecting 270 brides. However, I informed them I could only support 100 brides for now.
“For the minister to threaten legal action over something she knows nothing about is unfortunate. My actions were approved by parents, religious and traditional leaders, and other stakeholders from my constituency.
“The minister needs to understand that in our culture, girls of marriageable age should not be left to wander the streets. Our religion and traditions prohibit promiscuity in the north. Despite the good intentions behind this initiative, some individuals have chosen to politicize it.”
Sarkindaji expressed dismay that the minister, who has never visited any IDP camps in Niger State due to bandit activities to witness the challenges faced by women and children, is focused on stopping the marriages of orphans whose parents were victims of such attacks.
He criticized, “This is excessive politicking from the minister. She should learn about the customs and traditions of the north, where girls of marriageable age are safeguarded. However, I have decided to step back from the weddings, and if the parents agree to halt the marriages due to the minister’s threats, so be it.
“I have provided the necessary support, and I will not intervene further. If parents choose to stop their children’s marriages because a minister in Abuja threatens legal action, that is their decision.
“I am leaving the minister to deal directly with the parents. Let her go to Mariga and prevent the parents from marrying off their daughters. People are playing politics without understanding the full situation.”
From: Nwakaji Peace Martins
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