16 Day of Activism: Coalition Raises Alarm Over Surge of Divorce Cases Among Young Couples

By Ahmed Ahmed

A Coalition of 16 Civil Society Organizations in Bauchi state has expressed alarm at the surge divorces are becoming more widespread in younger couples across the country.

They raise the alarm when they visit Emir Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, as part of activities to commemorate the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Bauchi.

The State Amira Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajiya Aisha Kilishi said the divorce surge is worrisome to the Society.

"The surge has been blamed on, among others, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and infidelity, neglecting their families." 

"It's always good that  warring partners seek elders' intervention, families have in the past few years been opting to seek the court's guidance on their marital differences," she said. 

Kilishi however advocated for the empowerment of women, saying that the high rate of divorce in the society has made many women vulnerable to rape and other violence.

She used the occasion to call on the government to appoint more women in leadership positions in the state so that the voices of women can be heard in the state. 

Responding, The Emir, Sulaiman also expressed his concern over the divorce rate in the Society.

"It is necessary for a man and a woman to observe and study each other very well before going into marriage.

“But more often than not, this does not happen and couples quickly get married as soon as they fall in love not caring whether the love is genuine or not, which is why they put up the excuse of being incompatible with each other and seek divorce,” he said.

The emir explained that, "marriage being a lifetime investment, they should also seek advice from experts, counselors and particularly, elders, in the event of misunderstandings."

He  called on governments Philanthropists and wealthy individuals in the state to empower women in the society and curb the menace of divorce and poverty in the society.

He stated that women are very instrumental to the development of  the society at large, hence they need for them to be supported because of the role they play in the family.

Sulaiman also condemned cases of gender violence in the state despite the fact that the VAPP law has been domesticated, calling on all stakeholders in the state to continue to champion against Gender violence in the state.