Former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, has sparked controversy with his statement about his marriage to a 15-year-old girl he met in Egypt.
News About Nigeria gathered that during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Senator Yerima expressed that he has no regrets about the marriage and denied claims that his wife was only 13 years old at the time.
In his defense, Senator Yerima highlighted that the marriage was conducted in accordance with Sharia law, which is recognized as part of the Nigerian constitution.
He emphasized that Sharia law permits marriage once a girl is considered to be of age, regardless of the specific age limit.
He further argued that his daughters, who also married at a young age, have pursued successful academic careers and are living with their families without any issues.
“People don’t understand that it’s something you do illegally, which is outside law, that makes you regret. Sharia law, which is part of the constitution of Nigeria, allows that. Once the girl is aged, she can get married.
“It’s not about being 18 or 20 years old. There is nothing about the age of the person. Definition of a girl that is aged is clearly stipulated under Sharia law.
“Many of my daughters got married at that age. They are living with their families and there is no problem. In fact, all of them are graduates. One of the daughters, who was married off at 16 years, is undergoing her PhD in London.”
Senator Yerima’s remarks have sparked intense debate and criticism from various quarters.
Advocates for child rights and gender equality argue that marrying a minor is a violation of human rights and exposes young girls to potential harm.
