Muslim Lawyers condemn women affairs minister’s intrusion in planned mass wedding in Niger

The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has condemned and faulted the position of Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye on the proposed mass wedding of 100 orphans in Niger state.

According to the group, the proposed mass wedding scheduled for May 24, 2024, has been subjected to needless controversy arising from the recent intrusion of the minister.

This was contained in a statement issued by National President Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) Barrister Saeed Muhammad Tudun-Wada and sent to SolaceBase on Friday.

The statement said incidentally, ‘’We understand that Mrs Ohanenye has instituted legal action to stop the noble course and further petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokum against the move of Niger State Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji to sponsorship the marriage of 100 girls who have lost their parents to banditry

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‘’In the light of this, the Muslim lawyers have resolved to meet the minister at the court of competent jurisdiction. Already we have assembled not less than five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and 27 other members of the association to join challenge the minister,’’ the statement said.

‘’MULAN regretted that the minister has decided to venture into a matter she lacked the right and competent to delve into. By so doing, she has overstretched her limit by interfering into the private and personal interests of the Niger girls. We are prepared to join issues with her.’’

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‘’For the purpose of emphasis, the constitution of the Federal of Nigeria is generous enough to allow every Nigerian to conduct marriage with whoever he or she so wishes, so long such act did not violate any provision of the constitution.’’

‘’MULAN is fully behind the proposed mass wedding and the genuine interest of the speaker to ease the burden of the marriage is well in line with Islamic principles.’’

‘’By the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, every Nigerian has the fundamental right to marry who he or she is so willing or wishes to marry. The constitution does not limit our activities as far as the mass wedding is concerned. ‘’

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‘’We would encourage the speaker of the Niger state to continue with the plan and proposed sponsorship of the mass wedding. The Constitution did not prohibit anybody from getting marry or limit the right but rather given us the leverage to marry a choice suitor. ‘’

‘’We want to make it known that we the Muslim Lawyers are ready to remove any clog on the wheel of progressive exercise of Muslim rights and to put our strength behind the noble course of our brothers in Niger State. ‘’