Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has announced his withdrawal from the planned marriage of 100 girls from his constituency in Mariga Local Government Area following the controversies surrounding 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Abdulmalik Sarkindaji explained that, as a respecter of the law and by extension, the constitution of Nigeria, he has withdrawn his support and will not be part of it again.
The Speaker, however, said that all the expenses incurred and materials purchased to ensure a smooth marriage will be handed over to the parents of the brides.
According to him, if they wish, they can go ahead with the marriage of their daughters who were orphaned by bandit attacks in their area, stating that he has completely withdrawn his support.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, characterizing the circumstance as regrettable and unnecessary, also questioned why Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, accepted social media reports without consulting him or Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, to understand the intention behind the action.
He, however, maintained that what he has done was in consultation and with the blessings of traditional and religious leaders, as well as critical stakeholders from his constituency, before the brides were carefully selected from two hundred and seventy to one hundred.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji explained that his natural affinity for orphans motivates his actions, and highlighted that he currently cares for seventeen orphans in his household, who attend the same school and eat the same food as his own children.
He emphasized that his actions stem purely from his heart and with the best of intentions.
The Speaker added that he has been awarding scholarships to many students, in addition to sponsoring students in institutions of higher learning, to help them realize their dreams and alleviate the hardships faced by their parents during this challenging time.
Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, however, cautioned against politicizing genuine efforts aimed at providing succor and relief to the poor and vulnerable.
COV/ALIYU LAWAL
