Ahmed Abdulkadir
Recently, a Kano based lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima , stirred the hornet's nest by unearthing a forgotten marriage law in Kano.
The law, tagged, "Prohibition of Certain Marriage Practices and Expenses", which was enacted in 1988, had never been put to use since its enactment, probably due to its difficulty in enforcement.
The Kano State Government has taken a significant stride towards ensuring a reduction in expenditure by enacting a law that prohibits men from spending money on certain traditional practices before marriage. These practices typically involve the customary exchange of gifts, namely boxes of clothes for the bride and other tokens. This commendable move aims to make marriage more affordable for men.
However, it is crucial for the government to review this law further to also prohibit brides and their parents from purchasing furniture and cooking utensils and taking them to the groom's house. This article will delve into the reasons supporting this call for a comprehensive review, ultimately advocating for an equitable approach to traditional marriage practices not only in Kano State but in northern Nigeria as a whole.
The law prohibiting men from spending exorbitantly on pre-marriage practices is an essential step towards creating a balanced financial atmosphere for couples starting their journey together. By curtailing excessive spending on clothes and gifts, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on men and encourage a more sustainable approach to marriage expenses. It recognizes the importance of financial stability and spreads awareness about the need to prioritize fiscal responsibility during the early stages of married life. Adhering to this principle, it is equally necessary to consider the financial implications on brides, who can also face undue pressure to spend on furniture and kitchenware.
By prohibiting men from spending on pre-marriage practices, the government endeavors to challenge societal norms where men are considered the primary breadwinners and financial providers in a relationship. This law empowers men to approach courtship and marriage with much less burden that often scares them away from marriage, fostering an environment where young men are now encouraged to take brides.
However, the traditional practice of brides purchasing furniture and kitchen utensils perpetuates the notion that women should assume domestic responsibilities and contribute disproportionately by furnishing the groom's house. To truly achieve equality and ease the marriage burden on brides and their parents, Kano State must extend the law to include restrictions on brides' financial burdens associated with these customary practices.
The law is a significant leap towards empowering men and promoting their financial independence. By prohibiting them from splurging on extravagant gifts, the law recognizes that such practices can scare them away from marriage and potentially create more societal problems.
So, the government must also address the existing practice of brides purchasing furniture and kitchen utensils for the groom's house, as this perpetuates a sense of reliance on women. Extending the law to restrict the financial responsibilities of brides will further ensure that parents are relieved of the marriage phobia which sometimes drives parents to commit societal ills in order to meet up to expectations.
Consequently, the law prohibiting men from spending excessively on traditional pre-marriage practices reflects a commendable effort to establish financial stability. However, to truly challenge societal norms and ensure equitable treatment, the law should be reviewed to favor the brides and their parents as well.
By doing that, the law may become more enforceable and encourage neighboring northern states to copy and domesticate the law in their various states, thereby making marriages easier and divorces less.
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