Imams in Niger state are demanding the immediate removal of Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, following her petition to the Inspector General of Police and her legal action against Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the speaker of Niger state house of assembly. Sarkindaji had proposed sponsoring the weddings of 100 orphan girls.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Wednesday, May 15, the Imams accused the minister of threatening the speaker and insisted she apologize within seven days or face legal consequences.
The clerics argued that Ohanenye’s actions render her unsuitable for her position, citing her accusations of blackmail against them for advocating against underage marriage.