SPEAKER NGSHA WITHDRAWS HIS SUPPORT FOR THE MARRIAGE OF 100 GIRLS IN HIS CONSTITUECY 14-05-24
By Sadiq Aminu Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji has announced his withdrawal from the planned marriage of one hundred girls from his constituecy in Mariga Local Government Area following the controversies sorrounding the action.
The Speaker stated this while addressing Newsmen in Minna the Niger state capital in reacting to the threat of court action by Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye over his decision.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji explained that as a respecter of law and by extension the constitution of Nigeria he has withdrawn his support and will not be part of it again.
The Speaker of Niger state House of Assembly however said that all the expenses he has incurred and materials purchased to ensure a smooth marriage will be handed over to parents of the brides.
Accoding to him if they wished they can go ahead with the marriage of their daughters who were orphaned by bandit attacks in their area, saying that he has removed his hands completely.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji who described as unfortunate and uncalled for, also wondered how the Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy allowed herself to be mislead by social media reports without finding from him or the Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago motive behind the gesture.
He however maintained that what he has done was in consultation and with blessings of traditional and religious leaders as well as critical stakeholders from his constituecy before the bride’s were carefully selected from two hundred and seventy to one hundred.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji explained that he is naturally in love with orphans and that is why he has seventeen orphans in his house going to the same school and eaten the same type food with his children stressing that his actions was purely from his heart and with the best of intentions.
The Speaker added that he has been awarding scholarship to many students in addition to sponsoring of students of institutions of higher learning to realise their dreams with a view to reducing the hardship faced by their parents in this trying moment.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji however cautioned against politicising genuine matters targeted at providing soccur and relief to the poor and vulnerable.