DECEMBER 22ND WEDDING: ARTHUR NZERIBE PROVES SKEPTICS WRONG

When Arthur Nzeribe veered a little from politics in 2002, to hook up pretty Ms. Joan, in a colorful traditional marriage in Benin, Edo State; political pundits insinuated that he consummated the marriage to further his quest to grab the exalted position of Senate Presidency, then, zoned to the southeast, by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP].

Later, it turned out that the “marriage for Senate Presidency’ insinuation was as it were, mere gossip, as Arthur Nzeribe did not even contest the election of Senator Adolphus Wabara, who was the choice of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With Senate President Election over, the gist turned from “marriage for Senate President” to: “he will soon send his wife away, since the intention of the marriage had been defeated”.

The wish of those who propagated the gist that Nzeribe married for the purpose of Senate Presidency seat appeared to have finally evaporated, as Nzeribe is set to wed in accordance with catholic doctrine to which he is a devoted member. Reports from his heaven of peace country home in Oguta, suggested that come December 5, 2007, Nzeribe will surely take his angel, Mis. Juan to the alter to tie the nuptial knot, in line with catholic doctrine.

With the December wedding completely sealed and delivered, the current gist in town is, why is Nzeribe getting married at this age? Those conversant with the game of love and seduction are quick to add that age has nothing to do with love, and by extension, marriage. To start with, they argue that right from the origin of man, great men are known for encounters with women, right from youth to old age, therefore, Nzeribe’s case, they insisted, cannot be an exception. Even in the scripture, King David was known with women. In fact, an unconfirmed account has it that he has weakness for women. Probably, his weakness for women lured him into taking the wife of Uraiah. King Solomon also, was known for the number of women he had encounter with. The list is rather endless in the scripture; buttressing the fact that, age plays little or no role in marriage.

The story of great men encounters with women is no less different in ancient, days and recent times. The famous Julius Caesar of the Roman Empire once abandoned his throne and traveled to Egypt with his dashing wife, Cleopatra. History has it that the day he set his eyes on Cleopatra, other women in his court meant nothing to him. In-fact, she later became his official wife in the court. The sun King, Louise XIV, had his own encounters with women from youth through to his old age. In-fact, experts in love affairs and seduction believe that age does not diminish love, but rather, love replenishes with old age. To buttress this point, they point to the near love affair relationship between one of the greatest Prime Ministers Britain ever produced, Benjamin Disraeli and Queen of England then, Victoria. Accounts had it that the relationship between the two grew so strong that when Disraeli paid a little too much attention to Empress Augusta of Germany during a state function! , the queen grew Jealous. All this happened despite the fact that Benjamin Disraeli was well over Seventy [70] years of age when he became the Prime Minister of Britain.

Stories of great men getting married at old ages litters the continent of Africa. The great Madiba of Africa, Nelson Mandela, married a widow, the wife of former Mozambique President, Samora Michael, after coming out prison, to become the first indigenous President of free South Africa. Robert Mugabe, the current President of Zimbabwe, married his former Secretary, not long ago. Zik of Africa, the Owelle of Onitsha, also had a wife at old age. General Odimegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba of Nnewi, married the most beautiful girl in Nigeria then, Bianca Onoh, at the same old age.

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Of recent in Nigeria, is the celebrated marriage between the immediate past President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to Late Stella Obasanjo. This too, is one of the cases of great men getting hooked up by way of marriage in their twilight. Of course, his Vice too, married within this period, to dashing Miss Jemilla. We can go on and on; it is just a matter of where one is coming from.

Grapevine has it that Nzeribe is going into this marriage for a number of reasons. First is his desire to satisfy a cardinal Catholic doctrine, which qualifies him to continue to receive Holy Communion, and be buried by the Catholic when he dies. In the second place, Nzeribe’s village church, the Sacred Heart, is a great beneficiary of Nzeribe’s fortune, it is said that Nzeribe lavishes money on the church .Thirdly; grapevine has it that as meticulous as Nzeribe is, the parish is greatly favoured by Nzeribe’s WILL.

Conclusively, it could be said that marriage at old age is an exploit that is exclusive to great men in the world. Examination of life and time of Kings, Presidents and other great men from ancient time to modern world, attest to this assertion; one can read, see and feel this fact. Nzeribe marriage come December 2007, is probably in deference to this fact. Those who thought that he married for Political Purpose may have gambled and lost heavily. Their only option in this circumstance is to wish him a happy married life.

 

Forwarded by Emeka Oraetoka,
Director: Arthur Nzeribe Intellectual Movement [ANIM].