by Cheta Nwanze

….in the last few days, we have had our Senate more or less tell us that the moment a 9 year old girl gets married, she becomes an adult. The implication of this obviously, is that being an adult, she can vote, and be voted for. 

“May you live in interesting times.” – ancient Chinese curse

Nigeria, my country, your country, is a very interesting place. That little fact gives lazy hacks such as myself a lot of material for the consumption of otherwise busy people who lead boring lives, such as yourself.

For example, in the last few days, we have had our Senate more or less tell us that the moment a 9 year old girl gets married, she becomes an adult. The implication of this obviously, is that being an adult, she can vote, and be voted for.

Sadly, that privilege will not be extended to Alice Enej. You see, being that she ‘gave her consent to the act’, Chijioke Nwakor embarked on a “marathon love-making” with her. She passed away afterwards. May she rest in peace.

However, Alice’s unfortunate demise, and Chijioke’s insistence that she consented, raise some very important questions: what exactly is consent.

I will end by giving you the age of consent in certain assorted countries: Egypt – 18, Morocco – 18, Tunisia – 20, Afghanistan – 16, Iran – 16, Iraq – 18, Pakistan – 16.

Bits and bobs

Still on the consent thing, Dame called Uncle Rotimi, “my son” yesterday. I worry about the implications of that statement given that she is 55 and he is 48. While I worry, Alhaji Yerima is stroking his beard.

God’s house is safe; so at the Celestial Church of Christ in crisis-ridden Maiduguri, 124 bags of ganja found refuge.

The Coscharis House in Apapa caught fire this morning. Given my current location, I am worried about traffic. Ciao.

Right of Reply

Tosin said,

Noooooo. Why shouldn’t first ladies be heard?! Why do you think they should only be seen as tag along. I only hope Chxta is not a chauvinist who believes more in men than women?! I would have been happier if you had said “first ladies should be HEARD and seen to be a sound and positive projector of their husband’s vision and focal points(if there’s any o). They should not let the wave of suddenly found power carry them lamely away. Whenever they open their mouths to talk,then it should be reasonable and sound bite words and actions that project a noble african woman!

Chxta responds,

I did specifically say “First Ladies (or First Gentlemen, think Prince Philip)”.

Chris said,

It has been the trend for years. And mariam babangida gave it the Volte-face it needed, thence first ladies took the centre stage. She acted behind the scenes, and the only obvious one was the creation of Delta state. Mariam Abacha brought in the political touch, and the eccentricity peaked during yardua’s time. She played with the balls of nigerians no doubt. Hers was federal and patience is state. While her actions is not condoned, I still feel, Gej is always over flogged by the press.

Chxta responds,

That someone did it before does not make it right. As a matter of fact, we are throwing away good opportunities to right the wrongs of the past. 

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.