Former Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmad Yerima, has expressed no regrets regarding his marriage to a 14-year-old bride from Egypt in 2010.
He defended his actions by highlighting that his wife has since matured and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Yerima, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, caused a global stir when news of his marriage to a minor emerged.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Yerima defended his action, emphasizing that his wife’s education has not been hindered by their marriage. He also cited the example of his own daughter, who got married at 16 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
“She is doing her Master’s Degree now.
“I told you my own daughter who was married at the age of 16, is doing her Ph.D”
“Marriage does not stop people from getting educated,” Yerima said.
Yerima also criticised the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015), saying whatever act is passed at the National Assembly has to be domesticated by the state assemblies.
“And once they have not done that, it’s no longer a law,” he added.
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The former governor alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo “tried to smuggle the Child Rights Act”.
“He passed it at the National Assembly through some manipulations but I don’t think any state in the North domesticated it and passed it,” Yerima said.
When questioned about whether children deserve the right to education and other freedoms protected by the Child Rights Act, Yerima argued that marriage should not hinder educational opportunities.
Responding to the claim that he paid $100,000 as dowry for his Egyptian wife, Yerima clarified that the amount was not solely for dowry.
Instead, it encompassed various conditions stipulated for the marriage, such as providing a house and clothing. Yerima explained that according to Sharia Law, one must fulfill the obligations prescribed for marriage.
“Provision of the house, provision of dowry, the dresses that she has to wear, everything [in] total,” he said. “At that time, it was just N15 million.”
One can give as much as is requested of them in marriage by Sharia Law, Yerima disclosed.
“Whatever you have to do in marriage is clearly stipulated under the Sharia Law. You have to provide for a house for the girl, if you’re marrying her, like, from the condition the Egyptian government’s law provides,” he said.