A Bill to regulate marriage, naming ceremonies, circumcision and other matrimonial related issues has passed second reading at the Sokoto state House of Assembly.
This development followed a motion sponsored by Abubakar Shehu APC Yabo, and Faruk Balle PDP Gudu at the plenary session of the Assembly .
Presenting the Bill, Mr Shehu said the move was aimed at reducing the high cost of marriage stressing that marriage in Sokoto state is capital intensive because of the unnecessary traditional activities attached to marriage and naming ceremony.
He said it is obvious that the unnecessary traditions in celebrating marriages is negatively affecting the institution.
The lawmaker argued that if left unchecked and unregulated, it would continue to make getting married difficult,
thereby promoting promiscuity, adultery and homosexuality in the society which goes against the two major religions in the country.
Abubakar Shehu added that it was now glaring that the inability of an intending groom to meet up with the said expenses and extravagances often led to break-up of engagements and marriages.
He said if the Bill is passed into law, it would drastically reduces marriage expenses and high rate
of divorces in the society.
The Speaker, Aminu Achida, put the motion into a voice vote and was unanimously accepted by the lawmakers.
Radio Nigeria in Sokoto report that the bill was referred to the House Committee on Religious Affairs for further legislative processes.
NASIR MALALI