A reader, Hajia Jemila, sent in this letter on Friday, January 22:
Readers say they will report a man who wants to force a child into marriage
54% of Pulse Nigeria Poll voters say they would report a man to the appropriate authorities if their husbands wanted to force a child into marriage
"My name is Hajia Jemila from Kano State. I have a very serious issue that is threatening to endanger the life of my 10-year-old daughter. I am 30-years-old and married to an old fashioned man (I am his fourth wife). I did not marry him out of love but I had to obey my father and go into the marriage which is called 'aure'n zumunci' in Hausa (marriage of understanding).
My husband is almost two times my age and was my father's best friend and before my father died, he made sure I got married to him. I was in the Kano State Polytechnic then but my education had to stop as I settled down in marriage but I have never lost sight of my love for education and I have vowed to make sure my children get quality education even if my husband is against it.
Now my husband wants to give out my littleto the son of his friend who is 26-year-old and already married. I have kicked against the arrangement vehemently but my husband has insisted on having his way because he does not believe in the girl-child education. The funny thing is that many of his family members seem to agree with him.
I do not mind even leaving my marriage to protect my little baby. They are putting arrangements in place for the marriage which is supposed to take place in a month's time. I plan to take my two children and run away instead of allowing her to be married off and destroy her future.
Jemila."
The teaser for the day was:
How Nigeria voted:
42% - I will run away with my child
4% - I will go ahead with the plans
54% - I will report them to the appropriate ministry
How would you vote here?
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