Ese Oruru: Women Affairs minister vows to help #FreeEse
Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister, Sen. Jummai Alhassan has vowed to use all her powers to secure the release of Ese Oruru.
Ese was only 13 in August 2015 when one Yinusa abducted her, and took her to Kano, where he converted her to Islam and married her.
Her story has since gone viral on Social media in the country and has gotten the attention of the minister.
In a series of tweets on Monday, the minister vowed to do everything in her power to secure the release of the girl who is now 14.
I have been in touch with the police authorities in Kano over Ese's immediate release to her parents and we are making progess. #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
Ese is still a child under our laws, and her right to freedom of movement is subject to parental control. She must be returned. #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
Child Rights Act says no person under 18 is capable of contracting a valid marriage, and a marriage so contracted is null and void #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
The Act also clearly states that anyone who marries a child is liable to to a fine of N500,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both. #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
No culture, religion or personal conviction supersedes the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ese Oruru must return home. #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
My ministry is on this case and we will ensure full prosecution of anyone who is found to have contravened the law. #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
Ese's case has brought to the fore the need to protect the rights of children and women in our society and we wont relent #FreeEse
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 29, 2016
