The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulamlik Sarkindaji, has stopped his proposed plan to marry off 100 orphan girls in his constituency.
According to reports, the Sarkindaji called off the wedding siting his unavailability to grace the occasion.
However, a source close to the Speaker revealed that he took the decision following stern objection from the Women affairs minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.
The Minister had upon receiving the news of the planned wedding of the 100 girls petitioned the Inspector General of Police. She also approached the court in Abuja to stop the Speaker from proceeding with the wedding slated for May 24.
But on Tuesday, the Speaker stated that the suspension of the event.
Speaking in a press briefing, the Sarkindaji denied been influenced by the threat from the Minister.
Sarkindaji, while addressing newsmen stated that the Minister by the pronouncement had overstepped her bounds.
The Speaker, therefore, said the Minister should take over the sponsorship of the wedding ceremony.
Sarkindaji disclosed that he had already made funds available to the girls’ parents through the traditional leaders and clerics of his constituency. He, however, he would not withdraw the funds.
The Speaker also pointed out that his motive for wanting to sponsor the wedding was due to state of poverty of the girls’ parents. He debunked reports that wedding was a constituency project.