Outraged Nigerians are protesting the government’s decision to sponsor the weddings of 100 orphans who lost their parents to banditry attacks in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

A petition circulating online has garnered thousands of signatures, with citizens expressing shock and dismay over what they perceive as a misuse of public funds and a violation of the rights and dignity of these vulnerable children.

Outraged Nigerians Rally Against Government-Sponsored Wedding of Niger Orphans

As the controversy grows, advocates are calling for transparency and accountability from the government officials responsible for this controversial event.

The viral petition by the Concerned Nigerian Citizens, citing Article 18 of the Nigerian Constitution, states, “Every child shall be entitled to free, compulsory, and universal primary education, free from discrimination on any grounds whatsoever. Additionally, Article 15 guarantees the right to the dignity of the human person, which includes protection from any form of degrading treatment.”

Making their demands clear, the group called on the Niger State Government to protect the rights of the children and halt the proposed marriages.

“We urge the Niger State Government to uphold its duty to protect the rights of these orphaned girls by prioritizing their education and well-being. Rather than subjecting them to forced marriages, we call upon the government to provide adequate support, including access to quality education and proper care in well-managed orphanage homes.

“We demand immediate action to halt the proposed forced marriages and to instead implement measures that will empower these girls to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.”

On Saturday, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, announced plans to marry off 100 female orphans who lost their parents to banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

Sarkindaji pledged to pay the dowries for the brides and added that he had procured all necessary materials for the mass wedding.

He stated that the girls who would be married off were carefully selected from the 170 girls whose names were submitted. However, the age range of the orphaned girls was not disclosed.

Following the announcement, the Speaker received a barrage of backlash from the public, with many claiming that the girls would be married off against their wishes.

Additionally, the Women Affairs Minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, took legal action against the Speaker to halt the wedding.

In response, Sarkindaji announced that he would stop the planned hosting of the wedding of 100 orphan girls in his constituency, stating he would not attend the occasion.

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