Halima Abdulazeez 
In every society, culture serves as a powerful, often silent influence, shaping perceptions and expectations. One of the most deeply ingrained cultural ideals is the concept of the “good woman.” While never explicitly defined, society has subtly molded this image to embody a list of conflicting qualities.
A good woman is expected to be upright, sometimes being uptight too, chaste, quiet, beautiful, generous, but not too generous, soft, but not too soft, bold, but not too bold. Navigating these expectations often feels like walking a tightrope, as any deviation can lead to labels of being “irritating,” “aggressive,” “audacious ,” or “too blunt.”
Yet, some women challenge these paradoxes. One such example is Huseina Haruna Abass, a young wife from northern Nigeria whose husband, Seaman Abass, was incarcerated for six years. Her story highlights the tension between being the “good wife” and raising an activist’s voice against injustice.
Huseina’s resilience and activism have inspired other wives of army personnel to speak up, reflecting a shift in the way women respond to the challenges around them. Unlike the older generation, which often left everything to fate or prayer, Huseina embodies a new spirit—one of both action and prayer, an approach well-suited to a society where citizens are left to fend for themselves, even for basic amenities.
At the heart of Huseina’s struggle is the protection of her dignity and that of her husband. In a country where dignity often seems negotiable, she stands firm, challenging the system that imprisoned her husband. This isn’t about undermining the sacrifices of army personnel or dismissing the rules and operations of the military. Rather, it’s a call for reform—an overhaul of the punishment system, to introduce human compassion, fairness, and transparency.
The military’s rigorous standards are well-known. I once read about a young Hausa boy who prayed 60 times in a single night (Tahajud), hoping to pass the army recruitment process. I admired his dedication, knowing that I could never endure such rigor myself, choosing the pen over the sword. While discipline and accountability are crucial in the armed forces, so too is a transparent and fair judicial process.
If justice is to be served, investigations must be thorough, and any guilty party must be punished accordingly, but with an openness that encourages trust in the system. Huseina’s fight has not been in vain.
With the support of the ordinary President, Ahmad Isa from the Berekete Family, Seaman Abass has finally gained his freedom, though he was dismissed from service. He can now reunite with his family and receive the medical attention he requires.
In this victory, Huseina has written her name among the loyal and righteous, serving as a reminder that good people still exist in this world. As the military addresses cases like that of Seaman Abass, they must be mindful of their reputation. How they handle these situations will shape the perception of future recruits, both men and women.
In the case of Huseina Haruna Abass, she has demonstrated loyalty and courage, qualities that seem to be fading in today’s society. Her story reminds us that the “good woman” may not fit society’s mold, but she is one who stands for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
