Babagana Zulum: As a Muslim, My Religion Allows Me to Marry Up to Four Wives, Provided I Can Support and Care for Them

The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum has addressed the issue of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, emphasizing the cultural and religious context surrounding family structures in the region. He stated that as a Muslim, Islamic teachings permit men to marry multiple wives, provided they can adequately care for them and their children.

He expressed a desire to avoid further debate on the topic, framing it as a religious matter while underscoring that Islam encompasses a holistic approach to life. He however argued that if individuals are able to support their families, including multiple wives and children, this should not pose a problem to the economy and well-being of the state.

He said in an interview with Channels TV, ‘I’m a Muslim, so my religion permits me to marry 1, 2, 3, 4, if I can take care of them. So, what I’m saying is that if somebody will take care of his children, we don’t have any problem with such a person marrying many wives. I don’t want us to debate more about this, because it is a religious matter, but I want you to understand that Islam is a complete way of life.”