The Imams Forum of Niger State, in conjunction with Ulama and Heads of Islamic Organizations, have given the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, a 7-day ultimatum to apologize and withdraw her court case against the Speaker regarding the marriage of 100 girls, or face legal action.
Other allegations include forced marriage, underage children, and the contravention of the Child Rights Act in marrying off the girls.
The Secretary of the Imams Forum Sheikh Umar Faruk Abdullahi gave the ultimatum while addressing Newsmen in Minna the state capital on the matter.
Sheikh Umar Faruk Abdullahi also wants President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his influence to sack the Minister, alleging that her conduct disqualifies her from being a member of the Federal Executive Council.
According to him, as far as the Forum is concerned, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has completed his part; they sought donations from him to sponsor the marriage, and he has fulfilled that obligation.
In view of that, Ulama of Niger State, Imams, and other religious leaders, in conjunction with the parents of these children, are giving them in marriage on the twenty-fourth of this month as planned.
Sheikh Umar Faruk Abdullahi maintained that the date set aside for the marriage remain sacrosanct because they have not contravene the laws of Nigeria and that of Islamic junctions.
The Secretary Imams Forum said the consent of the children have been sought and they have attain the age of eighteen and above.
He also appealed to wealthy individuals in Niger State to imitate the good deeds of Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji by donating generously to the poor and orphans in the state to ameliorate their hardship.
ALIYU LAWAL
