The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has dispelled rumors making the rounds on the Internet that he was planning to marry a 17-year daughter of the Lamido of Adamawa.
The Emir, a former Central Bank Governor of Nigeria who was forced out of office by President Goodluck Jonathan after he blew the whistle on billions of dollars in oil revenues that were reportedly not deposited by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), denied the marriage rumors while responding to questions sent by SaharaReporters via text messages and routed through one of his aides.
Responding to a question about marriage between adult men and underage girls, the Emir of Kano stated that he fully supports the right of children not to get forcibly married before attaining the constitutionally stipulated age of 18 years.
He further stated that he has not and will not contract a marriage with any woman under 18.
He said the stories making the rounds were only meant to know his intentions. While not totally ruling out the possibility of marrying a fourth wife, the Emir advised people to wait to see the real age of his wife if he decides to contract another marriage.