Katsina grants widows four months mourning leave

The Katsina State Government has introduced an Islamic Iddah period law to enable female civil servants in the state to stay home for four months and ten days in case they lose their husbands.

PUNCH Online reports that Islamically, the Iddah period is for wives to mourn their deceased husbands.

The introduction of the new law came after the State House of Assembly had earlier passed a motion, seeking the state government to look into the issue of the Iddah period, which was subsequently approved by the executive.

The Katsina State Head of Civil Service, Falalu Bawale, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Katsina.

Bwale further said a circular has been issued to all the ministries, departments and agencies of the State government to grant its female officers the liberty to observe the period when the need arises.

He said, “We decided to take the issue before the National Council on Establishment so that it can be included in the civil service rules where women who lost their husbands will be allowed to stay and observe the Iddah period after the death of her husband.

“The council said, all States have the liberty to make a rule that suits their purpose. So we can come back here and present the issue before the state executive council; if it is approved, then it can be implemented.

“So we drafted a memo and presented it before the State Executive Council, which the Council graciously approved and considered our recommendations.

“We issued a circular to all ministries, departments and agencies to grant female officers the chance to observe the Iddah period. It has now become a law.”

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