Former Zamfara Governor Defends Marriage To 15-Year-Old Girl
Senator Ahmad Yerima, a former governor of Zamfara State, has defended his marriage to a 15-year-old Egyptian girl in 2010, saying she is now doing her master’s degree.
Yerima, who was 49 years old when he married the minor, said he did not violate any law or human rights by marrying her.
He said he followed the Sharia law and the Egyptian law, which allowed him to marry her with the consent of her parents and the payment of $100,000 as dowry and other expenses.
He also said his marriage did not stop her education, as she is now pursuing a master’s degree in a university.
Yerima, who was the first governor to implement Sharia law in Zamfara state in 2000, said he does not regret his decision and that he would do it again if he had the opportunity.
He said he married her because he loved her and because she was a virgin.
He also said he gave away his daughter in marriage at the age of 16 and that she is now doing her PhD in London.
