By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Newly married couples have again been advised to build their marriages on faithfulness, love as well as mutual trust and respect for each other.
The deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the advice in Yenagoa at the weekend during the traditional marriage ceremony of former Miss Felicia Agbiki, daughter of the erstwhile Regent of Tarakiri Clan, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, and her heartthrob, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamdi.
Describing marriage as a learning institution with no graduation date, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said there is no perfect marriage anywhere, noting that those who sought perfect marriages never got married.
He said the best lesson in marriage is for couples to learn to manage their conjugal relationships and never quit their marital unions, stressing that marriage is a lifetime contract.
The deputy governor enjoined Mr. Emmanuel Nnamdi and his bride to be faithful to each other, and strive to build their marital home on mutual adoration, honour and trust.
In his words: ‘To you the couple, we are gathered here because of you, so don’t say you are tired tomorrow. In marriage, there is no graduation. Marriage is a life-long school or institution in which you continue to learn.
“There is no perfect marriage anywhere; that is why those who seek perfect marriage never get married. Marriage is management, so you have to manage yourselves.
“Above all, you must have faith in your marriage. Faith stands for being faithful to each other, adore each other; inform each other of everything you do; trust each other, and honour each other.”
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Francis Sikoki, said the marriage of Mr. Emmanuel and his wife was truly a marriage of cultures that had built a bridge of unity between Bayelsa and Abia states.
Professor Sikoki, who is the Acting Chairman of the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), however, called on the bride and groom’s families not to unduly interfere in the marriage of their children to avoid creating problems for the young couple.
The ceremony was also graced by the chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo; and his Tarakiri counterpart, King Seiyifa Koroye; as well as the South-South Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prof. Felix Omemu.
Others include the state PDP Chairman, Mr Solomon Agwanana, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia; Dr. Perekeme Bertola, the Executive Secretary, EDTF, Dr (Mrs) Alice Atuwo, Chief Ebikiri Akpolo, Hon. Christopher Enai, Chief Victor Okubonanabo, amongst other government functionaries.
