Nasarawa gov’s wife faults inheriting of brother’s widow

Wife of the Governor of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Silifat Sule, has described the tradition of brothers inheriting the widows of a deceased brother as barbaric.

She made the condemnation during the distribution of palliatives to widows organised by the traditional ruler of Nku community in Akwanga Local Government, Chin Nku, Habila Adamu Aboki.

Silifat Sule said, “I condemn the tradition that allows a man to take over a widow as a wife which in most cases happens forcefully.

“It is barbaric and should no longer be condoned in any community,” she said, and reaffirmed her commitment against all forms of violence against women.

She said, “In order to support the widows of this community, I will donate one million naira for you to engage in petty businesses that will keep you going and provide food for you and your children.”

Hajiya Silifat, who also holds the traditional title of ‘Jarumar Nku’ (meaning leader of Nku women), called on women to be industrious.

She charged women to invest the money donated to them to enhance their living conditions and those of the orphans left behind by their late husbands.

Speaking, the traditional ruler of Nku chiefdom, Chin Nku Habila Adamu Aboki, said he was motivated by the plight of the widows and resolved to provide them with palliatives to help ease their hardship.

He emphasised that he had concluded arrangements with a team of lawyers to take legal action against anyone found forcing a widow into marriage in all the 10 communities that make up the chiefdom.