5 reasons Why Sanisu’s Marriage to an 18 year old (if true)
is unacceptable and not a Private or religious matter and every concerned Nigerian
must speak against it
I woke up to the news that a man I highly respected had
committed a grievous crime against all Nigerians but given the Nigerian
penchant for supporting evil (if committed by our religious or tribal brother) the
matter has become rather clouded by irrelevant considerations. As a female who
was born in Kano and educated in Northern Nigeria, a part of the country which
will always be dear in my heart, I have watched helplessly as the beautiful and
once peaceful yet forward thinking region retrogressed at great personal and
national costs. The main reason for this retrogression to my mind is the unjust
and wicked systems established and perpetuated by some wicked Northern leaders,
often hidden in the cloak of culture or religion.
This marriage is one blow too many, our leaders cannot enjoy
the perks of office without paying the price of constraint. I’ve taken the time
to articulate below why this is not a personal, cultural or religious matter.
All well meaning Nigerians must arise and confront this evil for what it is.
11.
It is an
insult to the officers and soldiers who have died defending this nation: I
am a proud military child- my father served this nation meritoriously and I
have a biological brother and several none biological brothers who I love
dearly currently serving in the North. Quite frankly I am sick and tired of
mourning one young man after another almost on a daily basis- men in their
prime, to the unacknowledged war in the North. The cost of lives and
unfulfilled dreams ought to cause restraint in the minds and actions of genuine
leaders. What real leader goes merrying, nay marrying whilst his troops are
slaughtered at the battlefront? Your Royal Highness sir, now is not the time for
marriage!
22.
The Chibok
Girls: It’s been over 500 days since over 200 girls were abducted. Their
crime? They simply sought education! I consider it an insult to the sacrifice
of the girls for another girl child to be traded by powerful men in a deal that
she has little or no gains from. The arguments of 18 being the official voting
age miss the point- who at 18 is mature enough to be subjected for life to the
dictates of a man as old, if not older than her father? Her sexual organs may
be ready, but is her mind? She might have declared her acceptance of His Royal
Highness publicly (as Islam requires) and may even be ‘happy’ at the ‘fortune’
of this well arranged marriage but not for this young woman the pleasure of a
casual trip to a beach. She cannot take a casual stroll down the street; upload
a casual facebook picture. She cannot enjoy the casual attentions of young men,
who know the beat and needs of her generation, who may today be penniless but given
her friendship and encouragement, not for long. Irrelevant you call these but it
is the dreams and pursuits of youth that make for innovation and genuine
development.
33.
The prevalence of underdevelopment: in his book
Truth and Transformation, Vishal Mangalwadi states categorically that Africa
and Asia have remained largely underdeveloped for a singular reason- the
weakness of polygamy to build strong nations. Accordingly, he articulates how
the discipline of monogamy forces men to build systems; builds strong women who
can contribute to genuine development. Not weak women who make substandard
decisions to keep the favour of the polygamist head of family. After all,
merely by insisting on her rights, she can be punished with the addition of a
new bride. Northern Nigeria is too underdeveloped for any NORTHERNER to say
it’s ok, it is not ok!
44.
Body Language: the North is currently the most
backward region of Nigeria- chiefly responsible for our high rates of illiteracy
and its attendant issues. It is also well known for its child bride issues.
Every researcher worth their salt clearly identifies the North’s culture as a
factor, whilst this was previously viewed as part of the Islamic injunction,
forward moving states like Dubai clearly demonstrate that Islam does not equal
backwardness. Northern leaders cannot therefore be seen by their actions to
endorse age-old traditions that have been known to impede development.
It therefore does not matter that she will continue
her studies! For the over 90% of girls less ‘fortunate’ who will be married off
education will cease, leading to dismal outcomes and an unending cycle of
poverty for the community which HRH ‘serves’. He must be seen to contend
actively against ANY FACTOR that impedes his people. Child marriage is one such
factor!! His body language in this case screams :“I have no problem with child
marriage”!
55.
The duty of leadership: Africans have long
enjoyed the benefits of office without consequent responsibility. World Leaders
are held to higher standards. Constrained by the duty their office demands,
they have lost the right to live how they please, or in response to old
unprogressive traditions. I know for a fact that it is a long held Northern
tradition to ‘gift’ brides to traditional rulers and it is considered an insult
to return these ‘gifts’. HRH cannot given his exposure, skills, training and
clout be seen to endorse a backward system. He owes the people of Kano and the
entire nation a higher standard.
For those eager to rush to his defense on
the basis of it being reflective of his religion- my father was privileged to
serve under a very devout Muslim who told him; “people use Islam as a means to
push their weakness of character. The Quran says to marry up to 4 wives if one
can love them equally. Common sense says that no one can love two women equally,
talk less of four!”
Chinedu Diego
Is the Chief Enabler@ Skillzmax Consulting
A Human Capacity Maximization Company
@chinedudiego
08178804180
