In a recent development, the Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, faces significant opposition from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the proposed marriage of 100 orphan girls in Niger State. MURIC has vowed to contest the minister’s actions in court, claiming she denied the withdrawal of the court case concerning the issue.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, issued a statement accusing the minister of ignoring the abuses faced by Muslim girls in the South while rushing to court to thwart efforts to aid Muslim girls in the North. Akintola questioned whether the minister sought proper legal counsel before taking action and criticized her for acting unilaterally.
MURIC highlighted the historical context of mass weddings in Northern Nigeria, emphasizing that such events have been state-sponsored for years without federal opposition. The organization cited multiple instances of mass weddings, including those in Kano and Kebbi states, and questioned why similar practices in Niger State were being singled out by the minister.
Akintola accused the minister of selective justice and bias, noting her lack of action on issues affecting Muslim girls in the South, such as harassment and denial of rights due to their religious attire. He further condemned what he termed as the minister’s double standards in protecting Muslim girls' rights.
MURIC called for the Niger State Government to sponsor the weddings of the remaining orphaned girls not covered by the Speaker’s initial sponsorship. The group emphasized that the issue is not merely about marriage but about fulfilling a religious and cultural obligation.
The statement ended with a stern warning to the minister: “Minister Uju will hear from our lawyers.”
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