According to the respected Islamic scholar, Professor Ishaq Akintola, there is ‘no age restriction in Islamic marriage’. He may well be right and I honestly believe that Islam, like Christianity, is a humane and compassionate faith which seeks to protect the weak and guide its adherents on the path of righteousness and light.

THE Senate loves itself too much to care about Nigerians. Senators are out to destroy Nigeria with their arrogance and greed. They believe they are above reproach by Nigerians, as they set out to ruin Nigeria today, and its future.

Many days after the news broke, reactions to the proposed Child Marriage Law show no signs of letting up. From clerics to educationists, lawyers and of course, activists, opinions are divided. While some believe the customs and traditions of northern senators agitating for child marriage should be taken into consideration, the majority have outrightly condemned such a move. Here are what experts think about the Senate’s controversial endorsement:

Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Methodist Church of Nigeria, in this interview, explains the religious implications of subjecting the girl child to early marriage.

The Yerima Doctrine: When a girl has seen her menstruation, develops breasts and has pubic hair, she is mature to be married.

Section 29(4)(b) of the Constitution is against all reason and practical wisdom. Are we saying any child that is married has suddenly become an adult based solely on the fact that she is married?

Prof Ishaq Akintola, Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has expressed support for the controversial underage marriage law currently generating furore in the polity.

AT 13, Hafsat Auwalu was married. At 14, she became pregnant. When it was time for her to be delivered of her baby, Hafsat was taken to the nearby primary healthcare facility where she laboured for hours, but the baby would not come out.

HE knows PW2, Barnabas Jabila a.k.a. Sergeant Rogers. PW2 was serving in Jaji infanty centre and school, worked with the former head of state, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Abubakar closely, and this informed his nomination, that brought him to be a member of strike force into the Presidency.

The clamour for the presidency to return to the North in 2015 is growing. No fewer than four prominent groups are now championing the cause. The campaign was initially spearheaded by two groups – Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Northern Elders Forum (NEF). Last week, the four northern groups signalled that the presidency will not remain with a southerner beyond the next general elections.