The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Tuesday sought the regulation of marriage, naming ceremony and circumcision expenses in the state.

This development followed the presentation of a private member bill sponsored by Abubakar Yabo (APC-Yabo), and co-sponsored by Faruk Balle (PDP-Gudu).

It is a bill “for a law to regulate expenses in marriages, naming ceremonies and circumcision and other matters connected therewith.”

Presenting the bill, Mr Yabo said the notice was brought pursuant to Order 11, Rule 2(2), of the assembly standing orders, 2019.

“This empowers members who wish to present a private member bill to come by way of notice of motion, hence the application. The bill, if allowed, intends to regulate and reduce to the barest minimum, the high rate of expenses and extravagances in the ceremonies,” explained Mr Yabo. “It is obvious that the unwholesome practices negatively affects the highly revered institutions of marriage, naming and circumcision, thereby causing economic setbacks and financial meltdown in the society.”

The legislator added, “It is worth noting that inability of an intended groom to meet up with such unwholesome practices often lead to break-ups in marriages.”

Mr Yabo further noted that the practices had left many people in Sokoto with nothing, but divorces and insecurity.

“Therefore, I believe, this proposed bill is timely and more of a clarion call towards safeguarding the institution, in accordance with prophetic Sunnah,” he added.

Meanwhile, the assembly, presided by the Deputy Speaker Abubakar Magaji, unanimously accepted the presentation of the bill.

In another development, the assembly, following the request by Bello Ambarura (APC-Illela), the chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, adopted its House sitting calendar for the fourth session commencing from June 15, 2022, to May 25, 2023.

The adoption specifically identified adjournment sine die on May 26, 2023, indicating the end of the Ninth Assembly in Sokoto. 

(NAN)