Let's talk about this child marriage issue and what it's really about..

After watching Stella's video, i realized that many people have misconstrued the real issue and think what the senate is debating about is that children should be allowed to get married. I've decided to take this time to try and explain. The real issue balls down to section 29 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.I'm sorry if i get a bit too legal here (Lawyer bug lol). Basically section 29 allows a citizen of Nigeria of "FULL AGE" to renounce his or her citizenship. This section goes further to state that a married woman should be deemed to be of full age for this purpose. The issue in contention here is that the section which describes any married woman as a woman of full age should be removed and that a child who is married should not be deemed a person of full age (S29(4)(b)).

The 35 senators that people think are advocating for child marriage are actually in support of deeming child wives as persons of full age while others are condemning such and want that section of the constitution removed.If the section is removed or there is a limit on the age in which a person can be deemed FULL AGE, then children that are actually married can be protected. Senator Yerima argued that the section should be left in as it goes against Islam to remove the section and any child who is married should be considered of full age and can renounce her citizenship. So it appears as if he spoke in support of child marriage whereas he was only advocating for the section to remain and the child who is married to be treated as an adult. What we should be fighting against is a child who is married should not be treated as one of full age until she is 18.

Please everyone get your facts right. Let's not blow this out of proportion. NO ONE IS SUPPORTING  CHILD MARRIAGE FOR NOW! It's a misconception and what is going on truly in the national assembly is only a constitutional review.I hope i've made the situation a little clearer. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.I will keep you updated on the real situation of things and if the issue of child marriage should ever come up in this case, i will let you know.I must commend Stella for her boldness and effort in the case and she is a role model for young women.

Have a lovely evening sweeties!