For some days now, the Nigerian social media has been awash with stories of Tiwa Savage and her crumbling pack of marriage cards. But Tiwa and her estranged husband are only humans after all. Again and again, humans make mistakes that hurt other humans. Could the breaking story of the falling apart of Tiwa's ill-fated marriage be a reflection of the larger society? Perhaps there are lessons for us all to learn. Please, come with me.
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In 2014, Alt-Lit icon and magazine editor, Stephen Tully Dierks who had been prominent in the hip young "Alt-Lit" community and Alt-Lit's most famous author, Tao Lin, were separately accused of rape- those allegations took their toll, not just on their careers but also on their lives. Coming home, a Mobil Staff was recently accused of rape and indecent assault. He has since been arraigned in court not long afterwards. The other day, a writer and author with some beautiful works to his name was accused of raping a vulnerable lady. His alibi? The writer's weakness. What the heck that is, you might ask?
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Well, one may be quick to say that such cases are common with celebrities and those in the show business. That would jumping to easy conclusions, a fallacy of hasty conclusions. No, not so fast. Such errors of judgement are common across different professions.
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In the academic world, there have been cases of indiscretion on the part of University professors and erudite scholars. And by the way, doctors do not necessarily have better homes than actors, nor bankers than lawyers. It is not the profession that you belong that really matters, what makes or mars you is how you carry yourself, your decisions, your vulnerabilities, your sense of judgement or ill-judgment.
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Research or academic career or many other might not be as drowning in image-laundering as show biz but fact is, everyone is vulnerable. Even scientists, and the noblest of men often make bad choices that leave them vulnerable, sad and broken.
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Whilst Tiwa and Teebillz navigate through their stormy waters (and we do hope that they would soon reach a solid agreement/settlement that's in their both interests and their innocent, handsome boy's, Jamil), please do not be a judge in a matter that does not concern you from Adam, do not be fixated on finding who was right or wrong especially since you do not have all the information on what has truly been happening between them. Rather, be concerned about your own choices, about cravings you indulge in that could lead you down the same path. Don't be obsessed about Tiwa and Teebillz, be obsessed about your own little margin of error that narrows even slimmer every day, like a stuttering gush of yellow light.
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Cry not forever for Tiwa, nor all week long for Teebillz. Cry for yourselves oh Nigerians, lest others weep for you. Save your tears, weep for yourself oh Land.
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Our prayers are with Tiwa Savage and Teebillz. May this storm pass soon, one way or the other...

A toast to a brighter future.


.... ID