Gov Masari signs Katsina state child protection bill allowing underage marriage

The Katsina governor, Aminu Masari, has assented to the Child Protection Bill which automatically paves the way for underage marriage in the northwest state.

Premium times report that the chief registrar of the Katsina State High Court, Kabir Shua’ibu, confirmed the development in an interview with reporters.

The development means that although the Child Right Protection Bill defines a child as a person below the age of 18 and seeks to protect them from abuse, it will not protect underage persons from being married off.

Earlier, the Katsina State House of Assembly committee chairman on the Child Protection Bill, Musa Nuhu, said the passage of the bill will end the prevalence of child rape, child labour and forced and underage marriage in the state.

The bill, however, says: ‘‘There should be counselling by parents to evaluate the development of their children before marrying them off.”

Some Nigerians have been commenting on the new bill in Katsina.

Mrs Reena Maryam Idris wrote on Twitter: “Saudi Arabia have banned it and Katsina is enabling in 2021.”

David Eze asked: “Why call it a child protection bill when underaged girls are married off?”

Michael Johnson wrote: “But the same Masari will never give out his 15 yr old daughter for marriage.”

Abdulraheem St John asked: “Why not vigorously pursue free education at all levels, for the girl child?”

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