By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The federal government on Friday withdrew all six-count charges against an Abuja-based online newspaper, Order Paper, and nine officers of the media organization.

Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Tosin Adeola Ajayi advised the federal government to withdraw the charges.

It emerged Thursday that the Federal Government had sued the media house for allegedly publishing a false report that DSS operatives, on October 16, stormed the National Assembly on the basis of a rumoured plot to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Considering what the DSS said was the serious national security threats and local and international embarrassment the story caused, they sued Order Paper and its officials.

However, a credible source in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who filed the suit, disclosed that the charges were withdrawn after the DSS boss reached out to their office.

“The new DG, DSS, Mr. Ajayi, reached out to us. He told my boss that the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), which facilitated the early release of Order Paper’s admin officer, Ms. Edna Ulaeto, also played a key role. The people at Order Paper came to the DSS office, admitted their mistake, apologized, and promised to be more professional,” said the DPP officer.

From the visit of the Order Paper officials, the DSS boss further told my bosses, it was clear that the reporters were misled by less than credible sources in the National Assembly.

“Above all, added the DSS DG, the Order Paper management, on realizing their mistake, had quickly retracted the story. Being an adherent for civility, Mr. Tosin Ajayi therefore felt that the interventions by relevant professional bodies, including the IPI and Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the remorse by Order Paper, were sufficient to warrant the withdrawal of the charges,” the official of the Ministry of Justice declared.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In recent years, the age-old tradition of marriage has undergone a myriad of transformations, reflecting societal changes, economic conditions, and shifting values. One particularly intriguing trend emerging in some communities is the concept of men requesting “marriage lists” from multiple women. This practice, driven by a desire to evaluate potential marriage costs, raises several questions about tradition, love, and the commodification of relationships.

Marriage lists are essentially detailed accounts of the financial demands associated with a prospective marriage. These lists may include dowries, gifts, and other financial obligations that a groom or his family must meet. Traditionally, dowries were a way to secure the financial future of a bride and her family, but in contemporary settings, they can vary significantly based on cultural, regional, and individual factors.

Men requesting these lists from various women aims to assess which marriage would be the most economically feasible. This practice can stem from a combination of personal financial constraints, cultural expectations, and the desire to make informed decisions in an era where economic considerations are increasingly important.

In many cultures, marriage is not just a union of two individuals; it is a significant financial transaction involving families. While in some societies, love and companionship are the primary motivations for marriage, in others, financial considerations play a pivotal role. The practice of comparing marriage lists could be seen as a practical approach to ensuring financial stability, but it also risks reducing the complex institution of marriage to a mere transactional relationship.

The practice raises several ethical questions. First, is it fair to women to be evaluated based solely on financial demands? This approach can reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate a culture where women’s worth is tied to monetary value. Additionally, it may lead to emotional detachment in relationships, prioritizing financial calculations over genuine compatibility and affection.

Moreover, this practice could create an environment of competition among women, fostering insecurities and undermining the foundational values of trust and love that are vital for a successful marriage.

On a practical level, the comparison of marriage costs can be influenced by economic realities. In times of financial uncertainty, individuals may feel compelled to prioritize financial security over emotional connection. This trend can also reflect broader societal changes, where economic factors increasingly dictate personal choices.

However, it’s essential to recognize that while financial considerations are valid, they should not overshadow the fundamental aspects of partnership—mutual respect, love, and shared goals.

While the practice of men requesting marriage lists from various women may appear to be a logical approach to navigating the complexities of modern relationships, it brings to light significant ethical, cultural, and emotional concerns. Marriage, at its core, is a partnership that thrives on connection and commitment, transcending financial considerations.

As society continues to evolve, it’s crucial to strike a balance between practical realities and the deeper values that define successful and fulfilling relationships. Ultimately, a marriage built on love and mutual respect will likely yield a more rewarding and lasting partnership than one anchored solely in economic calculations.

Credit vanguard