Gerhards: Are you one of those terrorists sympathizers? Do you want the killings of innocent citizens to continue? It’s sad to read this kind of comment here
My brother, please look at the matter as it is, because you want the killings of innocent citizens to stop does not mean it has now transformed to the agenda of Trump.
helinues: What happened to his 72 hours ultimatum?
You are not scared that the US is giving your country an ultimatum? You think if US takes over Nigeria, you Nigerian citizens will enjoy the same treatment as US citizens? Maybe US has to come and make things worse for us before my people can learn but even them I am scared people will not learn. You may see people still looking for the same US that has put them in hot soup, to come back and "save" them again. Let's learn to look at our fellow Nigerians for solutions to the problems we are facing and not be so self-hating we wish for the US to come and save us as if it is our master, chaii!!
Rutherford2019: Just saw this I never knew time will come when Nigeria Christians will be remembered
Chaii. My people are really aloof. Aloof of their own real circumstances. You do not see our interests are not tied to the US and the US is never really looking after our own interests. Indeed, they plant seeds of disarray in us for their own interests. It is up to Nigerians to look after their own interests, do not be so naive to imagine US will come here simply out of compassion for Nigerian Christians. When they leave, we can very well be worse than when they came - Libya is prove of this but since Nigerian education is controlled and limited by the very people we now wish to save us, their faults are well hidden from us.
lawani: You flog this issue too much. I agree with your conclusion though but prostrating to elders is never a big deal to any Yoruba except if their rank bars them from prostrating like when they are a king or maybe even an army officer
You have to be very careful with these foreigners. Many come here and are insecure a different way of life can be successful in developing a civilization and in the guise of "helping us", they try to bury our way of life. They hope to charm us with the claim that they "respect" our culture but really they hope to disintegrate the life behind it and place their own life their, so that our own culture may now become nothing but a stamp we wear on our chest. They fear allowing our own way of life to make it into how we run our economy and our form of government because then they can no longer control us; we are no longer working primarily for their benefit but ours.
Fenrir: I just remembered you. Here’s clear proof that many Yoruba individuals misrepresent their customs, particularly regarding prostration, culture, and the relationship between federal law, state law, and the limitations of customary law. Read it carefully — and please stop spreading misinformation in the future.
LEGAL RIGHT TO MARRY FREELY IN NIGERIA (Applies equally to Nigerians and Foreigners) 1️⃣ The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) Section 34(1): Dignity of Human Person
“Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person…”
Explanation: No one may be forced into marriage or compelled to perform any traditional, cultural, or religious rite. Forcing a person to comply with customs (like bride price or family approval) violates dignity and autonomy.
Section 35(1): Right to Personal Liberty
“Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty…”
Explanation: Marriage is a matter of free personal choice. Neither families nor communities have lawful power to impose cultural or religious obligations on adults who freely consent to marry.
Section 37: Right to Private and Family Life
“The privacy of citizens, their homes… is hereby guaranteed and protected.”
Explanation: Marriage decisions are private matters. Family or cultural intrusion in the couple’s private marital decisions is unconstitutional.
Section 38(1): Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…”
Explanation: A couple may freely decide to marry under religion, custom, the statutory (civil) system, or a combination — or to reject all religious and traditional rites entirely.
Section 42(1): Freedom from Discrimination
“A citizen of Nigeria… shall not… be subjected to any form of discrimination…”
Explanation: Families, communities, or institutions cannot impose traditions or rites based on tribe, gender, or religion as a condition for marriage. The same protection extends to foreign spouses through the equality and human-rights provisions.
2️⃣ The Marriage Act (Cap M6 LFN 2004) Section 7 — Notice of Marriage
“Whenever any persons desire to marry, one of the parties shall sign and give to the registrar…”
Explanation: Marriage under the Act begins solely by the couple’s own decision. The Act does not require family consent, traditional introductions, or any cultural rite.
Section 11(1) — Conditions for Certificate
“The registrar shall issue his certificate… upon being satisfied that each party is of full age and has freely consented…”
Explanation: The only required consent is the couple’s. Once both are of full age, no family or traditional approval is legally necessary.
Section 34 — Legal Validity of Marriage
“All marriages celebrated under this Act shall be good and valid in law to all intents and purposes.”
Explanation: Once the statutory process is completed, the marriage is fully valid nationwide — even if no traditional rites were done.
Section 41 — Preventing Marriage Under False Pretence
“Whoever endeavours to prevent a marriage by pretence that his consent is required by law… shall be guilty of an offence.”
Explanation: Families or community members who try to stop a lawful marriage by claiming their consent or cultural approval is required are breaking the law.
3️⃣ Customary Law and Its Limitations Recognition under Section 35 of the Marriage Act
“Nothing in this Act shall affect the validity of any marriage contracted under or in accordance with any customary law…”
Explanation: Customary marriages are valid only if voluntarily entered into and consistent with the Constitution. Coercive or discriminatory customs are void.
“In any judicial proceeding where a custom is relied upon, it shall not be enforced if it is repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience, or incompatible… with any law for the time being in force.”
Explanation: No custom that violates equality, liberty, or dignity can be enforced — including customs that force bride price, introductions, or family control.
🔹 3B. Bride Price, Introduction, and Family Consent — Not Legally Required (a) Statutory Freedom to Marry Without Tradition
The Marriage Act governs statutory (civil and church) marriages. It makes no reference to bride price, introduction, or family approval.
Under Section 34, once the statutory procedure is followed, the marriage is “good and valid in law.”
Therefore, even if no bride price is paid, no family introduction held, or the families disapprove, the marriage remains fully legal.
(b) Constitutional and Human-Rights Protection
Sections 34, 35, and 38 of the Constitution guarantee dignity, liberty, and freedom of conscience.
Forcing or coercing a couple to perform cultural rites, or to pay a bride price, violates these rights.
The African Charter (Cap A9 LFN 2004), enforceable in Nigeria, also prohibits discrimination based on national origin or culture in matters of marriage (Articles 2, 6, and 18(3)).
(c) Customary Law and the Repugnancy Test
Courts recognise that bride price and “handing-over” are typical proof elements in customary marriages (e.g., Obi v. Bosah (2019)), but only when the couple choose customary marriage.
When a couple marry under the Marriage Act, none of those customary elements are required.
Even within customary law, any rule that forces a bride price or family approval can be struck down under Section 18(3) of the Evidence Act as “repugnant to natural justice.”
(d) Judicial Confirmation of Freedom and Consent
Osamwonyi v. Osamwonyi (1972) – Consent is the foundation of all marriages.
Agbeja v. Agbeja (1985) – Customary marriage must be voluntary.
Mojekwu v. Mojekwu (1997) – Discriminatory or oppressive customs are void.
Obi v. Bosah (2019) – Bride price and handing-over define a customary marriage, not a legal or mandatory one.
(e) Legal Result
Bride price, introduction, or family consent are purely cultural — never legal — requirements. Couples may lawfully reject them and marry under the Marriage Act or any other voluntary system. Any person who attempts to compel them commits an offence under Section 41 of the Marriage Act and violates the Constitution.
(f) Even in Traditional Marriages, Specific Rituals Like Prostration or Kneeling Can Be Rejected
Relevant Laws and Principles:
Constitution Section 34(1) — Dignity of the Human Person
Any act that humiliates or degrades either spouse (e.g., forced prostration, kneeling, or other imposed gestures) violates this constitutional right.
Courts recognise that dignity and personal autonomy cannot be surrendered to culture.
Evidence Act Section 18(3) — Repugnancy Clause
Customs that compel a person to perform physical acts of submission or humiliation are repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience and therefore unenforceable.
Even where a couple opt for a customary wedding, they may lawfully omit any ritual they find offensive or inconsistent with their beliefs.
Constitution Section 38(1) — Freedom of Conscience and Religion
A couple may object on conscience or religious grounds to any ritual gesture. Their decision is legally protected, and no family can lawfully insist otherwise.
Case Law Support
Mojekwu v. Mojekwu (1997) – Any custom that degrades or discriminates is unconstitutional.
Meribe v. Egwu (1976) – Consent, not ritual formality, determines validity.
Agbeja v. Agbeja (1985) – Customary marriages stand only where all acts are voluntary.
Practical Effect:
Even in a voluntary traditional marriage, no family, elder, or community leader has the legal power to compel a bride or groom to prostrate, kneel, bow, or perform any symbolic act against their will. Refusal to perform such a gesture does not invalidate the marriage under any Nigerian law. The essence of both statutory and customary marriage is mutual consent, not ritual form.
4️⃣ International Human Rights and Equality for All Persons African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Cap A9 LFN 2004)
Article 2: Equal rights without distinction of race, national origin, or religion.
Article 6: Right to liberty and security of the person.
Article 18(3): State must eliminate discrimination and protect family rights.
Explanation: Marriage freedom and equality extend to all persons within Nigeria, including foreigners. No one can be treated differently because of nationality or ethnicity.
5️⃣ Judicial Principles Supporting Freedom to Marry Case Legal Rule Meaning Osamwonyi v. Osamwonyi (1972) Consent is fundamental Marriage without free consent is void Agbeja v. Agbeja (1985) Customary marriage must be voluntary No coercion or forced customs allowed Mojekwu v. Mojekwu (1997) Discriminatory customs invalid Oppressive customs have no force Obi v. Bosah (2019) Bride price/handing-over define customary marriage only Optional and cultural, not universal requirement 6️⃣ Summary — What the Law Means in Practice Legal Source Applies To Legal Effect Constitution (ss.34–38, 42) All persons Freedom, dignity, equality; no coercion or discrimination Marriage Act (ss.7–41) All persons Marriage valid solely on couple’s consent; no tradition required Evidence Act (s.18(3)) All customs Voids coercive or discriminatory traditions African Charter (Cap A9) All persons in Nigeria Protects equality and freedom to marry Case law All marriages Upholds consent; voids forced or oppressive customs ✅ FINAL LEGAL CONCLUSION
Under Nigerian law — for all persons, whether both Nigerians or one foreign and one Nigerian:
Marriage is purely voluntary — only the couple’s consent matters.
The couple may freely choose the form (statutory, religious, customary, or combination).
Bride price, family introduction, and traditional rites are optional, not compulsory.
Even where a traditional ceremony is chosen, any specific ritual (such as prostration, kneeling, or symbolic acts) may be lawfully refused without invalidating the marriage.
No one (family, culture, or religion) may impose extra conditions or coercion.
Any attempt to force compliance with cultural or religious rites violates the Constitution (ss. 34–38), the Marriage Act (ss. 7–41), and the Evidence Act (s. 18(3)).
All couples — Nigerian or mixed nationality — share equal protection under law and international human-rights treaties.
wrong person
This intended for the topic poster Lawani
Why is it the foreigner that has come here to quote us the constitution of the colonizers? The Nigerian constitution is not our constitution, our ways of life was destroyed by the colonizer and these forms of government were imposed on us. We have to follow it but none of us can truly respect it, per se.
simigold: They are coming to clear the terrorists and that's what we want. It is better if other things are not better than to allow these terrorists and their vulture to overwhelm us. We are not goats that they slaughter and go away with. We are talking about lives here. Again God bless America
Why do you think US is coming to Nigeria to clear terrorists because we want it? Again, look anywhere outside of the west, US has intervened in and see if things did not become worse for them. That we're struggling with terrorists does not mean we invite more terrorists in to add to the fire.
simigold: Even if they are coming for the oil, its better we get peace of mind and security in exchange. Let's invest in agriculture. God bless America
Look anywhere America has intervened outside of the west, and see if things are better for them after the US left. It's only the people of Nigeria that can make this country for the better, don't be fooled!
simigold: Yes they are father christmas if you don't know. For Nigeria to benefit from U.S aids for a long time shows the father christmas in them and we are ready to receive their help now to crush terrorism. I guess you are terrorists accomplice and it will touch you sooner than later. God bless America
If I did not see what I'm seeing, I will not believe it. The white man you are praying to save you is mocking you. You are sitting here welcoming the white man to rob you. After he leaves and makes things worse for you, probably you will still be asking him to come and "save" you again. Wake up and look, my brother.
simigold: Please make it fast and sweet as earlier promised. There's love in Unity. Thank you all for uniting for Nigerian Christians.
Are you so poor at critical thinking that you think the US is Father Christmas here to save you? Why do you think it is Nigeria they decided to focus on? They will rob you dry and you will be worse tomorrow but you will still be cheering for them to "save" you again.
What kind of talk is this? How can you come into another's country to fight a war without the government permission of the receiving country? Don't think for a second this western leaders are better than our leaders here! Why all of a sudden they feel the need to storm Nigeria? And why Nigeria in particular, are Christians not dying other places in the world? Indeed, are Christians not dying in Europe and the United States? Let every Nigeria wake up before they get here, wake up and see they have an agenda!
I am not watching your linked video nor am I talking to a foreigner who feels entitled to come to my land, the land of my ancestors for the longest of time - and then insult the people. It is the same entitlement you have that Trump has. Again, you should be exiled from the country.
DeepSight: There are racist professors who have propounded as recently as the 2000s that African languages dont have any concept of yesterday or tomorrow. And no words for such.
And Charlie Kirk was endorsing it but they will say, "He wanted equal rights for all people.".
Morenikeji090: If you keep hating Yoruba you will never become a president…. It will just be btw Yoruba / Hausa / Fulani and think of south south ahead of Igbo… play your politics well not hating Yoruba are too big to hate
We Nigerians keep trying to be tribalistic meanwhile Sudan has already separated. We better humble ourselves and work together, none of us can survive alone in this modern world.
What will it take? What will it take for we to come together and make something of our country? Indeed, many of us are more concerned with the politics of abroad than our own land. If the appalling state of our own country is not motivation enough for us to transform things, then is the utterly low regards we are held at WORLDWIDE, not enough for us to begin to organize ourselves? 232 million Nigerians and not one can say they are from a successful country.
I will round up all corrupt officials and return all the money they have stolen that can still be recovered, back to the country. Then I will make sure these corrupt officials cannot take office again after the week is over. Hopefully, this would give a strong impression to Nigeria against corruption and be a stepping stone for us, in the right direction.
Nigeria was ranked a 67.8 average IQ score in 2019 and 91.3 in 2024, lower than the standard average of 100. What are your thoughts on IQ and the methodology used in these studies? Do you think a lower IQ is, in some part, responsible for the state of our country?
You should go read up on the history of revolutions to perhaps understand how much work we need to do and its cost in lives and blood.
It is in fact very hard work that will take us years if not decades to wrest power from those who have their hold on the country. And we will only make progress if we are willing to work very hard and sacrifice.
Alright. This is more or less what I was trying to get at. Your earlier posts seemed to suggest that there is already a viable democratic pathway in the country to fix the current issues.
Fortruth: You cant take back what does not belong to you. England put you guys together through conquest, named you like you name a dog, and still own you all…
Yet you guys are still fighting to uphold what white people created to exploit you forever…. What a shame
Ok brother, fair. Now let us say, Nigeria dissolves and we go back to various tribes. Do you think of our tribes can thrive on their own in this modern world? Even the biggest tribes in the country today might not be able to thrive, talkless of the much smaller ones. What I think is that, in spite of how Nigeria came to be, we the people of this land can recognize the value we have to benefit from each other which is an entirely different kind of value than the British had in mind when they first put the country together.
budaatum: First we should go learn about democracy, it's history, it's development, and how it ought to be conducted successfully. Then we implement what we learn.
It involves people coming together to organise so corrupt people don't organise better and "take measures to guide the election to their will" and defeat you.
Such education and learning should start in primary schools, where pupils will be taught to work together to accomplish goals, instead of our current education that encourages self salvation and disregard for our neighbours and benefits the corrupt.
Reasonable points. However, I think this is easier said than done. The corrupt officials are already in power and have influence over the very education that is supposed to help further our country. Do you think any significant progress can be made while this people have their hold on the country?
budaatum: You see the bold? It indicates irresponsibility, because you are not supposed to wait to be given, but should get off your ass and go and get. And not understanding this is the reason "democracy you are talking about does not exist in our country". It can not exist until we put it there.
And if we do not put it there, not only will we not move forward, we will move backwards, and by that I mean whatever we claim to suffer today will increase ten fold tomorrow. And when we've suffered enough, our eyes will hopefully open.
Do know that as far as democracy is concerned, we are young learning babies who will learn as we grow older or die in our ignorance and refusal to learn to democratise better, because there isn't a better alternative to rule by the people for the people being ruled.
How do you intend that we put real democracy in our country, then? We certainly cannot just vote for the right person when the corrupt people in government take measures to guide the election to their will.
budaatum: Yes, I do believe democracy means a lot in the future of our country.
We can go out there and vote for corrupt or unqualified people to rule us and make us suffer or we ourselves can learn not to be corrupt and qualify ourselves to rule ourselves better so we suffer less. The choice is ours.
What's beautiful about democracy is you get what you elected, and you learn from your past votes. If you elect corrupt or unqualified people to rule you and you suffer, you can either elect better people next time or not until you suffer enough and learn.
Not every Nigerian is corrupt or unqualified. And the sooner we learn to tell the difference the better.
I feel you are not taking into consideration the vast extent corruption has already taken root in Nigerian politics. What of gatekeeping, godfatherism and votes buying? We are not even given enough transparency on these candidates to be able to adequately choose a representative. The democracy you are talking about does not exist in our country and I think in order for us to move forward, we must accept that.
budaatum: Someone needs to explain to you what democracy means and implies and compels you to do, so you might stop behaving like our current government came from Mars and imposed itself on you.
Once you [we] know what democracy is, then perhaps you and more of us will be more concerned and diligently scrutinise those we elect to govern us.
My brother, do you really believe our democracy as it is today means anything in the future of our country? How much does it matter if you are to vote from a number of candidates to rule your country but all of them are either corrupt or unqualified? Where is the dignity in that?
Politics › Re: Trump Is Really Coming by steadygo: 7:19am On Nov 06, 2025
