The Niger State Imam Forum, comprising Chief Imams of Friday Mosques in the state and Islamic Organizations, affirmed their commitment to proceed with the marriage ceremony of 100 orphans in Mariga Local Government Area.

Originally set for May 24, 2024, the event faced a setback when Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, retracted his endorsement of the wedding involving orphans from his district.

The withdrawal of support by the Speaker came after the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, expressed concerns about the legality of the wedding, questioning whether the girls’ consent and adherence to marriage age laws, including the Child Rights Act, were ensured.

Despite this, the Imam Forum insisted that the wedding would proceed, citing its compliance with relevant sections of the Nigerian constitution and Islamic teachings.

Dr. Umar Farouk, Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, conveyed the forum’s decisions following an emergency meeting in Minna.

He issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Minister, demanding the withdrawal of her court case and petition against the Speaker of the Niger Assembly, or face legal repercussions.

Additionally, the forum demanded an apology from her to the citizens of Niger and the Speaker for purported blackmailing.

Farouk emphasized that the wedding date of May 24, 2024, remained firm, asserting that the Imam Forum, along with the brides’ parents, would proceed with the ceremony, given the Speaker’s contribution to ensure its success.

Furthermore, Dr. Farouk urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to dismiss the Minister, alleging incompetence and an endeavor to incite religious discord in Nigeria.

Farouk urged other philanthropists, affluent individuals, and politicians to follow the Speaker’s lead in organizing similar marriages as a means to reform society.

He noted that the prospective brides, aged between 18 and 25, included widows, and assured that their consent was obtained, with all requisite procedures meticulously adhered to.

The Organized labor has pulled out of the ongoing minimum wage discussions with the Federal Government, criticizing the proposed wage figures as inadequate.

This choice came in response to suggestions from both the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS), putting forth minimum wage proposals ranging between N48,000 and N54,000 respectively.

Labor representatives slammed these amounts as “ridiculous,” noting that the OPS has admitted its members usually pay at least N78,000.

Details later……… 

Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was shot in a gun attack on Wednesday afternoon in Handlova, Slovakia.

He sustained injuries to his head and chest and was airlifted to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack on social media platform X, emphasizing its undemocratic nature.

She expressed sympathy for Fico and his family.

The Slovak Prime Minister is expected to make a statement regarding the assassination attempt shortly.

More to follow……