Federal Character
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Relationship and Life
  • Fashion & Lifestyle
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Health
  • Opinion
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Relationship and Life
  • Fashion & Lifestyle
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Health
  • Opinion
No Result
View All Result
Federal Character
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Orphan Marriage Saga: Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Assembly Speaker

Somto NwanoluebySomto Nwanolue
May 17, 2024
in News
0
Orphan Marriage Saga: Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Assembly Speaker
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has officially withdrawn the lawsuit she filed against Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, as regards to his decision to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.

According to news reporters, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye said that the Ministry, in partnership with the Speaker and traditional rulers from Niger State, are presently substantiating the ages of the girls involved to make sure they were up to the legal age requirements for marriage.

She also emphasized that the Ministry’s main focus will now shift towards empowering young girls and addressing the needs of those affected by insecurity in the state.

This marriage controversy began last week when Speaker Sarkindaji announced his plans to marry off 100 orphans, tabling it as a measure to diminish their suffering.

However, this announcement led to widespread national outrage and forced Kennedy-Ohanenye to file a suit and petition the Inspector General of Police.

But the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in Kano State led by Chairman Malam Hassan Indabawa, had heavily criticized the Minister’s actions.

Indabawa had in strong words, urged Kennedy-Ohanenye to withdraw her litigation, stressing the need for Nigerians to respect cultural and traditional practices.

Indabawa who had issued a statement on Thursday night had condemned the Minister’s decision, tagging it ‘harsh and hasty’ and arguing that it was outside the jurisdiction of her ministry.

He also accused Kennedy-Ohanenye of attempting to demonize a cultural practice and misrepresenting the Speaker’s intentions.

Indabawa also alleged that the Minister’s media campaign against the marriage was an attempt to disparage Sarkindaji, who was acting out of genuine concern for his constituents, a lot of whom are traumatized orphans due to banditry and insurgency.

This planned marriage ceremony is slated to hold on on May 24, 2024.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What This Means
  • Bottom Line

What This Means

Kennedy-Ohanenye’s lawsuit withdrawal against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, raises several critical issues that warrant deeper examination.

Firstly, the decision to withdraw the suit is a disappointing retreat from a crucial legal and moral stance. The Minister had initially taken a commendable step in challenging a practice that potentially undermines the rights and welfare of young girls. By withdrawing the lawsuit, the Ministry is sending a mixed message about its commitment to protecting vulnerable children from premature marriages.

Secondly, the collaboration with the Speaker and traditional rulers to verify the ages of the girls involved is a commendable step in the right direction, but it fails to address the broader issue. The focus should not only be on age verification but on the principle that forced or arranged marriages, regardless of age, can have long-lasting negative impacts on the lives of these girls. This approach seems to place more importance on appeasing traditional leaders and cultural practices than on safeguarding children’s rights.

Finally, the backlash from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and local leaders underscores the significant cultural resistance to external intervention. The accusation that the Minister was demonizing cultural practices is particularly troubling, as it shifts the focus away from the welfare of the children to a defense of potentially harmful traditions.

Bottom Line

The lawsuit withdrawal represents a missed opportunity to take a firm stand against child marriage and to advance the rights of girls in Nigeria. The Ministry of Women Affairs must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to child protection at this crucial time and not shy away from challenging cultural norms that harm children.

In essence, this situation calls for decisive action and clear messaging that the welfare of children is paramount, above any cultural or traditional practices.

Tags: Assembly speakerfederal characterLawsuitmarriageministerNewsNigeriaOrphanOrphan Marriage Saga: Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Assembly SpeakerWomen affairs
Somto Nwanolue

Somto Nwanolue

Somto Nwanolue is a news writer with a keen eye for spotting trending news and crafting engaging stories. Her interests includes beauty, lifestyle and fashion. Her life’s passion is to bring information to the right audience in written medium

Related Posts

US Troops on Standby In Anticioation of Massive, Coordinated Anti-Trump Protests
News

US Troops on Standby In Anticipation of Massive, Coordinated Anti-Trump Protests

October 18, 2025
Blood Spills in Peru as Gen Z Fights a Broken System
News

Blood Spills in Peru as Gen Z Fights a Broken System

October 16, 2025
What is the Daily Cost of a US Government Shutdown to the Economy?
News

What is the Daily Cost of a US Government Shutdown to the Economy?

October 15, 2025
Next Post
Nigeria vs. Binance: Court Refuses Bail for Binance Official

Nigeria vs. Binance: Court Refuses Bail for Binance Official

Crude Oil Production Shortage in Nigeria Hampers Economic Growth

Crude Oil Production Shortage in Nigeria Hampers Economic Growth

Nigerian Singer, Oritsefemi, Makes Shocking Revelation, Says Ex-Wife Invited Friends To Mob Him

Nigerian Singer, Oritsefemi, Makes Shocking Revelation, Says Ex-Wife Invited Friends To Mob Him

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Senate’s 109 Million Naira Compensation: A Band-Aid for Lives Lost in Army’s Catastrophic Error?

Senate’s 109 Million Naira Compensation: A Band-Aid for Lives Lost in Army’s Catastrophic Error?

2 years ago
Effective Treatment Methods for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Effective Treatment Methods for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

11 months ago
Funke Akindele Hurls Back at Critic in Viral X Exchange

Funke Akindele Hurls Back at Critic in Viral X Exchange

11 months ago
Live Stream Details: How To Watch 67th Grammy Awards And Premiere Ceremony

Live Stream Details: How To Watch 67th Grammy Awards And Premiere Ceremony

9 months ago

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Business & Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion & Lifestyle
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Government
  • Health
  • News
  • Politics
  • Relationship and Life
  • Sports
  • Tech

Topics

2023 Aboki/Bureau De Change (BDC) apc Arsenal buhari Business cbn chelsea china court Davido Dollar Efcc Election Entertainment Euro and Pounds To Naira Exchange Rate For Today exchange rates for the Nigerian Naira (NGN) Fashion federal character federal government Finance food Football Foreign News government health inec Israel lagos Manchester United Naira Naira Black Market exchange rates News Nigeria pdp police Politics president protest Russia Sports tinubu trump ukraine US
No Result
View All Result

Highlights

Movie Review: MeadBowbrook Heart – A Touching Story That Suffers from Slow Pacing

Blaqbonez Spills His Controversial Marriage Secrets

“Why I Later Supported Regina Daniels’ Marriage” To Ned Nwoko — Rita Daniels

Iyabo Ojo Celebrates as Priscilla and Juma Jux Arrive Nigeria with Grandchild

“How I Surpass Michael Jackson in Classics” – Sir Shina Peters

Ryan Taylor Reveals Why His Engagement to DJ Cuppy Ended After Less Than a Month

Trending

White House Denies Rumors Trump May Pardon Diddy
Entertainment

White House Denies Rumors Trump May Pardon Diddy

byAyobami Owolabi
October 22, 2025
0

The White House has rejected claims that President Donald Trump is contemplating commuting the prison sentence of...

What Happens When Polygamy Meets Fairness? Ali Baba Explains

What Happens When Polygamy Meets Fairness? Ali Baba Explains

October 22, 2025
Sean Dyche Appointed as Nottingham Forest New Head Coach

Sean Dyche Appointed as Nottingham Forest New Head Coach

October 21, 2025
Movie Review: MeadBowbrook Heart – A Touching Story That Suffers from Slow Pacing

Movie Review: MeadBowbrook Heart – A Touching Story That Suffers from Slow Pacing

October 21, 2025
Blaqbonez Spills His Controversial Marriage Secrets

Blaqbonez Spills His Controversial Marriage Secrets

October 21, 2025

We launched Federal Character in February 2021 based on the belief that the world is in need of smarter and more efficient reporting of events shaping our rapidly changing world. We pledged to put our audience first, always.

Recent News

  • White House Denies Rumors Trump May Pardon Diddy
  • What Happens When Polygamy Meets Fairness? Ali Baba Explains
  • Sean Dyche Appointed as Nottingham Forest New Head Coach

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Business & Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion & Lifestyle
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Government
  • Health
  • News
  • Politics
  • Relationship and Life
  • Sports
  • Tech

© 2024 FederalCharacter.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business & Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Relationship and Life
  • Fashion & Lifestyle
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Health
  • Opinion

© 2024 Federalcharacter.com