The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has withdrawn his support for the planned mass wedding of 100 orphans in his constituency,Â
Speaking during a briefing with journalists at the House of Assembly complex in Minna, the state capital, he said the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, should investigate claims of child rights abuse.
Speaker Sarkindaji, who expressed displeasure over the minister’s position and the negative media reports attributed to her, said he was never contacted for clarity but conclusions were drawn over the matter.
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His decision to backtrack comes a day after the minister condemned the proposed marriages, saying that they constitute a violation of the Child Rights Act and raise serious concerns about the ages and consent of the girls involved.
She petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking his support to stop the planned marriage by the Speaker.
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