By Bashir Mani
Marriage has been generally and globally defined as the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship. This connotes a historically and in some jurisdictions, specifically a union between a man and a woman. In Islamic law (sharia), marriage (nikāḥ ), is a legal and social contract between two individuals. Marriage is an act of Islam and is strongly recommended.
For centuries, marriage has been a social contract between a couple who have agreed to live together under a mutually beneficial and spiritually rejuvenating institution. This indispensable institution has existed for ages, amongst societies and communities. It will continue to submit and thrive until eternity, or the best until only when the Almighty Allah, the Alpha and Omega, only knows.
Families, parents and couples are always therefore ceaselessly euphoric and ecstatic when any family member, relations or loved ones are getting married. It is a period when every family member is enveloped by a tremendous and an indescribable joy. They are periods cherished forever.
It was therefore one of such great moments in the divinely blessed life of the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, when he married out his ten sons and daughters. It was not surprising when on Sunday, August 22 2021, Sokoto, the Seat of the legendary Sokoto Caliphate literally stood still, in favour of the grandeur and exhilarating marriage ceremonies successfully conducted.
On that epoch-making day, all roads led to Sokoto, destination Sahabi Dange road, Gawon Nama , Sokoto. The venue was Senator Wamakko’s personal residence , popularly called in the Sokoto parlance as, “Gidan Jama’a or the People’s Villa.” Apart from the multitudes of visibly elated guests, from all walls of life, across varying social, economic, religious and ethnic divides, as well as from within and outside Nigeria.
The marriages were solemnized after the payments of various bride prices ranging from N100,000, N80,000 to N50,000, were paid procedurally as provided for by the Islamic Sharia . The joint weddings ‘ sermon was delivered by the Sarkin Mallaman Sokoto, Mallam Yahaya Na Mallam Boyi. He was assisted by myriad of Islamic Clerics, from across the state and beyond.
The newly wedded were: Faruk Aliyu Wamakko, Barrister Bello Aliyu Wamakko, Isa Aliyu Wamakko, Armiya’u Aliyu Wamakko, Sadiya Aliyu Wanakko, Saratu Aliyu Wamakko and Saudatu Aliyu Wamakko, among others.
The historic event was witnessed by a high powered Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Chika Malami, the Police Affairs Minister, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi. Other dignitaries were Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan was represented by the Senate Leader , Dr Yahayya Abdullahi, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governors of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, Gombe and Zamfara States, Mallam Yahayya Abdulkarim, Senator Adamu Aleiro, retired Admiral Murtala Nyako, Senator Danjuma Goje and Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari., respectively. Former Military Administrator of Sokoto State, retired Navy Captain Abdulrashid Adisa Raji was also in attendance, through a representative.
Others were: Senator Barau Jibrin Senator (Engr.) Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba Dambuwa. There was a high powered delegation of the Nigerien President, Muhammad Bazoum led by the Mayor of Niamey, Alhaji Abdulra’uf Dodo. This invaluable gesture exemplies the personality of Senator Wamakko that permeates borders.
Others who graced the memorable social event were the former Deputy Governors of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Gusau and Alhaji Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo.
Also in attendance were Senator Hassan Nasiha Gusau,Magajin Rafin Sokoto Alhaji Rilwanu Bello. The rest were Katsina-based business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Sokoto State, Hon. Yusuf Suleimam, Chairman, NAFDAC, members of the National and State Assemblies, among several other dignitaries.
Members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly also thronged the venue led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abubakar Bodinga, as well as the APC Leader, Hon. Bello Isa Ambarura. They were also joined by their colleagues from the neighbouring Kebbi State.
Others the former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and the Pioneer Executive Secretary, Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, Chairman of APC in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida and other leaders of the party, Ambassadors Abubakar Shehu Wurno and Sahabi Isa Gada, former Members of the State Executive Council, former Chairmen of Local Governments, as well as high powered delegations from Kebbi, Kano and Zamfara States, among others.
The country’s security apparatuses were also not left in witnessing the great marriages of the century . The Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of Army Air and Naval Staff were also represented. The Royalty was represented by the Galadiman Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanchi, Sarkin Mafarar Gummi, retired Justice Hassan Lawal Gummi, other District Heads and traditional title holders, hordes of politicians, Islamic Clerics and thousands of other well wishers, among others.
It was indeed a large crowd, a sea of heads and a roll call of Who is Who in Nigeria and beyond as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, the man of the people, wedded out his ten sons and daughters. It was indeed a reveling and memorable moment. May the Almighty Allah bless the unions, as well as grant them meritorious marriages. Amen. Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum.
Rabe, a Deputy-Editor-in-chief at News Agency of Nigeria, wrote in from the Central Business District, Abuja-Nigeria .
