There is a popular saying “for whom brain is given, sense is expected”. Ahmed Yerima, former Zamfara State governor presently a senator recently, opposed strongly the removal of a clause that under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows girl child marriage under the guise of religion. According to him, removing the clause will be tantamount to disregarding Islamic law, which the constitution incorporates and protects.
We can all remember that this man married a 13-year-old Egyptian child in 2009 amid strong condemnations……and gradually swept under the carpet and four years later, on the floor of the senate as a senator, he still defends his actions, insisting that a girl child is of age once a man marries her…..are you thinking and cursing like I am?
How is it that a constitution meant to protect all Nigerians irrespective of sex, age, ethnic group and religion, puts a vulnerable group such as girl children, at the mercy of paedophiles? It will be the right time to remind Nigerians and the legislators to keep to their promise of making the constitution all inclusive and also stop excusing injustice in the guise of either religion or culture.
It is very true that majority of Nigerians are religious, but I believe that the focus should be on the greatest good which we all know deep within our hearts…..does it feel right for a girl at 13 to be a mother, think like a wife and mother, satisfy her husband’s libido, tend to her in-laws wahala, cook meals, wash clothes……..are you thinking with me?
Why don’t we separate religion from politics? Like a friend rightly said “the Nigerian constitution should be secular, tending to all in the society, upholding the rights and dignity of every human person regardless of personal beliefs.” What more can I ask from our law makers….where are those that were voted by our mothers? Why should a grown man think a mere 13 year old should satisfy his sexual urge, and give him children? Why should he gain support from his colleagues?
Malala may have survived the talibans….but millions of Nigerian girls may not survive Senator Ahmed Yerima unless we speak out and the constitution is properly amended.
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