For even contemplating to marry a cripple known as Mr. Monday Itu, a 24-year-old woman and mother of two, Rose-John, has narrated how her family members humiliated and embarrassed her over her decision and vehemence to marry her physically challenged husband.
A video showing the couple dancing in the church during the dedication of their second child was trending on the internet recently. The mother of two explained that she met her husband, Monday Itu when she was 19 and they eventually got along in a serious relationship.
Rose told the BBC Pidgin that when she took him to her family house, they vehemently opposed her choice of a man for marriage, citing his disability as their major reason.
She told BBC that: “My boyfriend and I have been together for five years. We started dating when I was 19-year-old. I was in senior secondary school two (SS2) when I met him,” she said.
“The first time he talked to me, I turned down his advances. The next day, he sent his friends to Ughelli, Delta state, where I was living at the time to plead with me on his behalf. It was at that point that I agreed to date him. After that, he came to meet me and we got along in a serious relationship.
“When I took my boyfriend to my family house, they felt bad. They even slapped and cursed me before chasing both of us away from the compound.
“They were questioning why I chose to marry such person when there is no one in the family with a similar condition. So, they insisted that I cannot marry the man but I told them that he is the one that I want to spend the rest of my life with.
“I don’t see my husband as someone with a disability or without a complete body. I have not had any regret being in a relationship with him because he is caring, supportive, and knows how to make me happy with sweet words. I don’t really consider the fact that he has no money to give me.”
The husband also said: “If my wife isn’t with me, life would have been miserable for me. When she agreed to date me, I didn’t have money and it’s not like I have much to give her even now, but she is still with me. I can’t fathom what really makes her love me that much. It’s something I cannot comprehend but I believe it’s God’s way of doing things,” he said.
“My current situation wasn’t inborn. I was four years old when it happened. My mother told me that while I was playing, I started crying all of a sudden but nobody knew what happened to me. So, I was rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed that I won’t be able to work again because my two legs had seized.
“I call her my wife because she has given birth to children for me. Anytime I have money, I would pay her bride price. My wife is someone that knows how to advise me. The way she respects me makes me love her the more.” NNL.
Nigerian News Leader First with details then facts 
