FORMER presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Congress, YPP, in the 2019 election, Professor Kingsley Moghalu has expressed discomfort over the plights of most women in Nigeria particularly on intimidations and discriminations on account of some barbaric customs and traditions.
The Professor of Political Economics who is also a lawyer on his social media handle on Tuesday said that the customs which forbids women from inheriting property including land is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.
Whilst arguing that girls were conceived and given birth to in same manner like their male counterpart recalled that the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the apex court had resolved the matter in favour of women to inherit land and property equally as male counterparts.
He however expressed worry that despite the ruling, the status quo remains and the ruling is yet to become fully operational in some parts of the country particularly in Igboland (South East geopolitical zone).
“Time to abolish all customary/religious laws that discriminate against women’s inheritance rights in all parts of Nigeria. This practice is contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria. It’s time we decided whether Nigeria is a constitutional republic or “customary”/theocratic state
“The Supreme Court affirmed that women’s inheritance rights cannot be restricted in the case of Ukeje v Ukeje, involving inheritance practices in Igbo culture and in the Southeast. The court made clear that Section 42 of our Constitution forbids discrimination or disability by reason of circumstances of birth of anyone.
“This decision establishes the law, and applies “mutatis mutandis” as the legal maxim will put it, to all parts of Nigeria. This tension between customs and religion, on the one hand, and the secular constitutionalism of Nigeria needs to be resolved. Else, the progress of different parts of Nigeria will continue to be held back by considerations inconsistent with human rights”, Moghalu stated.
Moghalu is also a former United Nations official, and professor of International Business and Public Policy at the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.