Backlash greets MP’s ‘I’ll marry you’ remark to schoolgirl during Parliament visit

A Member of Parliament (MP), Yakubu Mohammed, has come under intense public criticism after a video showing him telling a young schoolgirl that he would marry her in the future went viral on social media.

Critics argue that although the statement may have been intended as a light-hearted joke, it risks normalising inappropriate interactions between adults and children and sends the wrong message, particularly during an educational intended to inspire young people about leadership and public service.

The incident follows renewed advocacy by child protection and gender rights organisations for adults—especially leaders and public figures—to communicate with children in ways that uphold their dignity, protect their welfare and reinforce positive aspirations.