Niger Mass Wedding: Islamic Scholars, Muslim Attorneys Criticize Women's Minister

Niger Mass Wedding: Ulama, Muslim Lawyers Condemn Women Minister

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria, representing Islamic scholars, along with the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), have confronted the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for her legal challenge against a proposed mass wedding for orphaned girls in Niger State.

Both organizations expressed their firm support for the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who has announced a plan to hold a mass wedding for the girls, orphaned by bandit attacks in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday in Kano, signed by Convener Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and Secretary Engineer Bashir Adamu Aliyu, the Ulama Forum declared its full backing for the marriage of banditry and kidnapping victims in Niger State.

The forum criticized the minister for seeking media attention with "her Islamophobic rhetoric" aimed at halting the marriages, thus "displaying her aversion to Sharia law."

The forum characterized the minister's actions as biased, unprofessional, and tribalistic, emphasizing that the 1999 Constitution upholds religious liberty and acknowledges Sharia provisions that sanction the prospective brides' marriages.

The statement pointed out that, as a legal professional, the minister should recognize that the Child Rights Act is not enforceable outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The forum advised President Bola Tinubu's administration to be cautious of "public officers and institutions that could create conflict with the populace."

Likewise, MULAN has pledged to confront the minister in a robust legal dispute over her determination to halt the mass wedding of 100 orphans.

In a statement by its President, Barrister Saeed Muhammad Tudun-Wada, MULAN affirmed that the planned wedding aligns with Islamic and Nigerian legal principles, criticizing the minister's lack of understanding.

"MULAN acknowledges that the upcoming mass wedding set for May 24, 2024, has been unnecessarily embroiled in controversy due to the minister's recent interference," the statement read.

MULAN has learned that Mrs. Ohanenye has initiated legal proceedings to obstruct this honorable initiative and has also petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokum, against Niger State Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji's sponsorship of 100 girls' marriages.

Consequently, the Muslim attorneys are prepared to face the minister in a court of proper jurisdiction. They have rallied a formidable team, including no fewer than five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and 27 association members, to contest the minister's stance.

"MULAN regrets the minister's decision to engage in a matter beyond her authority and expertise. In doing so, she has exceeded her boundaries by meddling in the private and personal affairs of the Niger girls. We stand ready to address the issue with her.

To reiterate, the Nigerian constitution generously permits every citizen to marry whomever they choose, provided such an act does not contravene any constitutional provision.

"MULAN fully endorses the planned mass wedding and the Speaker's sincere intention to alleviate the marriage burden, which is consistent with Islamic values."

Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye's Reason for Legal Action Against Speaker

The Minister of Women Affairs stated yesterday that her lawsuit against Speaker Sarkindaji was motivated by his plan to wed 100 orphans from his district.

On Channels TV’s Politics Today, the minister remarked, "In my duties, I adhere to the constitution. My stance was based on the children's fundamental rights. I've called for an investigation. My work is not concerned with religion."

She mentioned collaborating with the speaker and other stakeholders to empower the girls rather than arranging their marriages.

"After discussing with the speaker, he acknowledged that he hadn't considered my perspective, believing he was being helpful.

"Now that I've raised these points, we've joined forces to explore ways to empower these youngsters, educate them, start businesses, and enhance their lives. He has agreed to collaborate with me," she stated.

Daily Trust reported rumors yesterday suggesting the minister had retracted the lawsuit.

However, during the Channel's TV interview, she clarified, "I haven't withdrawn the legal case yet because we've all concurred to work together to empower the children and settle the matter amicably.

"After reaching a resolution, we will present it to the court to dismiss the case."

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