Common Mistakes Couples Make During Marital Separation

By Elizabeth Badejo

Marriage is a beautiful thing that requires hard work, commitment, and perseverance to sustain love and value the relationship. However, when couples decide to dissolve their marriage, managing the impact on themselves and their loved ones, especially their children, can be challenging.

In Nigeria, marital separation is on the rise, and divorce has become more common compared to times when elderly family members played a more significant role in conflict resolution. Several mistakes made during the process of separation or divorce can cause significant emotional turmoil and affect both the couple and their families.

Threatening Behaviour

A common mistake is threatening a spouse with separation to make them feel vulnerable. This is often seen in toxic marriages where one person feels unsafe. While separation might be necessary for well-being, the decision can leave the other spouse feeling confused, disappointed, and rejected if they are not emotionally prepared. It is crucial for both parties to think through their decision carefully.

Contentious Decisions

Rushing into a new relationship before fully recovering from the previous one can be a major mistake. While separating from a loved one creates a vacuum, bringing someone new into your life can make the situation contentious, especially if children are involved. Children may experience emotional turbulence, and seeing a new partner can deepen their apprehensions and confusion.

Revengeful and Irrational Behaviour

Marital separation can evoke feelings of anger, bitterness, and resentment. Some individuals may disclose confidential information about their spouse or act irrationally towards one another. This behavior can extend to friends and family perceived as disloyal, significantly impacting relationships built over the years. Turning against loved ones is a grievous mistake during this period.

Falsehood and Manipulation

Children should not be made to take responsibility for the failure of adults in their lives. Seeking empathy and support from children or sharing false information about marital challenges can paint one parent as a betrayal. Exposing children to such information can harm their emotional health and well-being. Parents must protect their children from the adverse effects of their separation.

Conclusion

Marital separation is a difficult process that requires careful consideration and emotional maturity. Avoiding these common mistakes can help minimize the impact on all parties involved, especially the children. It is essential to navigate this challenging time with sensitivity and respect for each other’s feelings and well-being.

NURTW: FG Yet to Fulfill CNG Bus Conversion Promise

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has announced that the Federal Government has not fulfilled its promise to assist transporters in converting their buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) following the removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023.

NURTW spokesperson Segun Falade told The PUNCH on Friday, “It was going to be in phases. 1,000 buses were supposed to be available first. Then we made the outcry that the number of CNG buses was too small for the country. We advocated for 10,000 buses. So, instead of waiting for the conversion process to be completed, we ordered 5,000 buses. As we speak now, there are 5,000 buses available on the ground to be shared. But most of them are still being kept at the conversion facilities.”

During his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu declared an end to the petrol subsidy regime, stating emphatically, “Subsidy is gone!” This announcement led to a significant increase in petrol prices, which rose from an average of N238.11 per litre to N750 per litre, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

In response, the President launched the Presidential CNG Initiative in October 2023 to promote safer, more affordable, and eco-friendly energy solutions. The initiative plans to introduce 5,500 CNG buses and tricycles, 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits.

Falade expressed frustration over the delays in the distribution process, noting, “The consignment from the conversion facilities has been done, but not wholeheartedly the way we expected it. We are just waiting for activations. So, we are expecting the rest to be distributed. We are expecting others to be launched.”

He added that the initial plan was to complete the conversion by May 29, but unforeseen issues caused delays. “We had some issues along the line, so we are awaiting distribution, especially with a lot of issues coming out from this protest. I believe the government is not taking it lightly,” Falade explained.

In April 2024, the Presidency announced its readiness to launch about 2,700 CNG-powered buses and tricycles before President Tinubu’s first anniversary in office. The statement from Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, read, “From the end of May, Nigeria will take some baby steps to join such nations that already have large fleets of CNG vehicles. All is now ready for delivery of the first set of critical assets for deployment and launch of the CNG initiative ahead of the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration on May 29. About 2,500 of the tricycles will be ready before May 29, 2024…working towards delivering 200 units before the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration.”

The NURTW continues to await the complete fulfillment of the government’s promises amid the challenges faced by transporters and the ongoing protests.

Alex Iwobi Named Man of the Match in Fulham’s Win Over Benfica

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was named Man of the Match following his stellar performance in Fulham’s 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Benfica at the Estadio Algarve on Friday night, reports PUNCH Sports Extra.

The 27-year-old, wearing the number 17 jersey, scored the decisive goal in the 21st minute, finishing from inside the box with an assist from Antonee Robinson.

Although Benfica dominated the early stages and tested Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno with several attempts, the Cottagers absorbed the pressure and gradually took control of the game. Fulham’s counter-attack in the 21st minute, led by the tireless Adama Traore, culminated in Iwobi’s calm finish.

Iwobi’s impressive display lasted until the 79th minute, when he was substituted for Martial Godo. His compatriot, Calvin Bassey, also delivered a solid defensive performance, playing the full 90 minutes for Fulham.

The London club is set to face Sevilla at the same venue on Monday night, a match that could feature four Nigerian players: Iwobi and Bassey for Fulham, and Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho for Sevilla.

Formerly of Arsenal and Everton, Iwobi’s standout performance and goal signal his good form ahead of the new season, providing optimism for both Fulham and Super Eagles fans.

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Protesters Hold Sunday Service and Block Roads in Plateau

By Gloria

In Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, protesters continued their #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrations by conducting a church service on Sunday. This ongoing protest, which began on Thursday, drew a significant crowd at the Old Airport Roundabout, including Christian and Muslim leaders as well as former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.

Protesters, waving Nigerian flags, blocked the roundabout, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. The service was deemed crucial by many attendees, who believe that divine intervention could help change Nigeria’s situation for the better.

Philip Madaki, a protester who arrived at the Old Airport Junction around 7:30 a.m. for the service, explained that the church service was a continuation of the protest to seek divine intervention in Nigeria’s governance. He expressed hope that God would influence the nation’s leaders to address the suffering caused by poor governance and harsh economic policies.

“I have been participating in the protest since it began on Thursday, and today being Sunday, we are continuing with the protest with a church service,” Madaki said. “As the protest is ongoing, we believe that God Almighty has not abandoned the country and its citizens, and we know He has the power to turn the hearts of kings in whichever direction He wants.

“We want Him to visit our leaders in the country, especially those in governance positions, and touch their hearts so that they will know that the citizens are really suffering because of bad governance and their harsh economic policies and be able to do something to change the situation. That’s why we are adding the church service to the ongoing protests.”

The protestors hope that through their demonstrations and prayers, the nation’s leaders will be moved to enact positive changes and alleviate the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.

South East’s Silence in #EndBadGovernance Protests Explained by Josef Onoh

Josef Onoh, the former spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign, has provided insight into the South East’s lack of participation in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. According to Onoh, this silence is a statement against Nigeria’s broader systemic issues rather than the current administration.

Onoh emphasized that the South East feels marginalized and excluded from significant national roles and infrastructure projects. He responded to Senator Shehu Sani’s tweet, which questioned why the South East did not join the protests despite substantial support from the region.

In his statement, Onoh said, “The South East is silent because the protesters demanded scrapping of the 1999 constitution and to replace it with a people-made constitution, without providing their own people-made manuscript for that new constitution. The South East is silent because the protesters demanded that the president should toss the nation’s legislative arm of the government, the National Assembly, and exhibited ignorance of the President’s lack of constitutional powers to scrap any arm of the government.”

He continued, “The South East is silent because even under a democratic setting, the South East region is on a high level of militarization, and the protesters are also chanting for military rule which would be more devastating to the region. The South East is silent because our silence has exposed the ‘real enemies’ of President Tinubu. We do not have the political luxuries, influence, entitlement, and benefits that the regions participating in the protest have.”

Onoh highlighted the historical and ongoing struggles of the South East, saying, “The north have produced presidents, the South-South and South West but not the South East, hence we see it as a problem between husbands and wives while we are the houseboy. When we had tears to shed, no region wiped away our tears. When we had a voice to shout, they said we were mad. When we cared, they said we had other motives. Today we are the least represented region in the current administration; we feel we are not wanted, we feel we are hated, we feel isolated, we feel distant.”

Despite these sentiments, Onoh expressed his belief in President Tinubu’s potential to bring positive change, provided the nation unites. He stated, “Irrespective of the above, I still believe in President Tinubu. He might not have all the solutions, but if we come together as a nation irrespective of whether we like each region or not, I believe a variegated group must agree they want to be a people, preserving our tolerant permissive society.”

Onoh concluded by acknowledging the shared pain and suffering of Nigerians, while highlighting the unique hardships faced by the South East.

Erik Ten Hag Hints at Satisfaction with Current Centre-Back Options Amid Transfer Speculation

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suggested he may be content with his current centre-back options even if the club does not secure the transfers of Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrad Branthwaite before the summer window closes.

The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly in the United States on Sunday, raising fitness concerns as Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof were substituted at half-time. Ten Hag later clarified that Evans was withdrawn due to illness, while Lindelof’s substitution was precautionary. Harry Maguire also missed out on playing to avoid risking injury, and new signing Leny Yoro faces months out.

Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his central defence options. United recently signed Yoro from Lille for up to £59 million. Although personal terms have been agreed with De Ligt, Bayern Munich is demanding £42 million for the Dutchman. Everton, meanwhile, is holding out for £70 million for Branthwaite after rejecting a United bid of £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons.

“We have good options there in the centre-back position,” said Ten Hag after the loss to Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina. “Harry Maguire was also a precaution. Jonny Evans was ill and we had to take him out at half-time. Licha Martinez is coming back, a Copa America winner who played all the games there, so I think he’s in very good form. We have options and good options in the centre-half position.”

Several United players, including Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes, are returning from Euro 2024 and the Copa America. Ten Hag is optimistic they will be ready to start the new season against Fulham next Friday.

Despite his satisfaction with the current squad, Ten Hag hinted at potential additions, including a central midfielder and a right-back. Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui are known targets, with Mazraoui reportedly flying to Manchester for a medical next Tuesday.

“It’s always difficult to say,” Ten Hag commented on further changes to his team. “We hope and we’re always looking. We’ve seen this new leadership team is really eager to do business and to make deals. They’re on it and if the timing is there and the opportunities are there, I don’t know, I can’t say at this moment. But I’m sure, when they are there, they will go forward.”

After their loss to Liverpool, United will return to England to prepare for the Community Shield against Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley next Saturday. United concluded the 2023-24 campaign by defeating City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at the same venue in May and will aim for a similar result.

France Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

France has urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave “as soon as possible” due to escalating fears of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, which could lead to a broader regional conflict.

“In a highly volatile security context, we once again call the attention of French nationals, particularly those passing through, to the fact that direct commercial flights and ones with stopovers to France are still available, and we invite them to make their arrangements now to leave Lebanon as soon as possible,” the foreign ministry stated in its travel advice notice for Lebanon. — AFP

Ukraine Downs Drones Amid Overnight Russian Missile Attack

The Ukrainian armed forces successfully intercepted five drones during a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on multiple Ukrainian regions in the early hours of August 4.

Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, announced on Facebook that the Iranian-made Shahed-type drones were downed in the Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, and Zaporizhzhya regions. These drones were reportedly launched from an air base in Russia’s Krasnodar region.

In addition to the drones, Russia fired two S-300 antiaircraft guided missiles and two Kh-59 guided missiles, according to Ukrainian sources.

Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported that 15 people, including a child, were injured in Russian shelling on August 3.

Despite evidence to the contrary, Russia continues to deny targeting civilians in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has reported at least 11,284 Ukrainian civilian deaths since the invasion began in February 2022, with the actual number likely being higher.

In Russia, authorities have initiated a campaign to encourage enlistment with the Defense Ministry. Text messages are being sent to potential recruits, offering 800,000 rubles ($9,400) for signing a contract. This initiative, first reported by Russian media in June, includes additional regional payments ranging from 1.12 million rubles ($13,200) in Komi to 1.7 million rubles ($20,000) in Leningrad.

This recruitment effort aims to bolster Russia’s military forces without formally declaring a mobilization, which could lead to public discontent. Ahead of the December 2023 presidential election, President Vladimir Putin assured that there would be no new mobilization announcements, citing that “half a million” soldiers were already on the front lines.

FAAN Boss Highlights Airport Transformations Aimed at Enhancing Passenger Experience and Country’s Image

LAGOS – Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), emphasized that the ongoing transformations at the nation’s airports are designed to improve passenger experiences and enhance Nigeria’s global image.

Kuku made this statement during a recent courtesy visit by the executive council of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), led by Yinka Folami, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos.

She highlighted the zero-tolerance policy against passenger harassment and touting as part of the key transformation efforts to ensure passenger safety.

“We are committed to working with NANTA to address their concerns and strengthen the partnership between FAAN and NANTA for a safer and more secure airport environment,” Kuku said.

She welcomed the proposal for a dedicated NANTA Help Desk at airports to improve traveler awareness and information sharing. Kuku urged NANTA to submit names of members who would collaborate with the FAAN protocol unit to facilitate this initiative.

Kuku also outlined plans to tackle ticket racketeering, loitering of unauthorized persons, and collusion between airline staff and ticket racketeers in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Yinka Folami, NANTA President, praised the airport transformations under Kuku’s leadership and requested a strategic partnership to eliminate touting and improve passenger transfer services.

“We are impressed with the transformation of our airports, which adds value to marketing Nigeria to the world. We request a dedicated NANTA pavilion at airports across the country to help passengers access information and improve orderliness at check-in counters,” Folami said. He also called for continuous engagement to enhance the experience and satisfaction of travelers using Nigerian airports.

Analysts Assert Only INEC Without Yakubu Can Manage Local Government Elections Effectively

LAGOS – Hon. Dennis Adikwuru, a prominent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member in Imo State, has advocated for the transfer of local government election responsibilities to a truly independent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adikwuru emphasized the importance of INEC’s independence, which should be constitutionally ensured and supported by the populace. He and other analysts believe that INEC’s autonomy would be best maintained without its current chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

While addressing stakeholders about the upcoming Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections, Yakubu stated that INEC is capable of handling local government elections alongside its current duties. Currently, INEC is responsible for federal and state elections, while State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) manage local government elections.

Adikwuru stressed the constitutional recognition of local governments as the third tier of government and called for INEC to be empowered to conduct these elections to prevent the federal and state governments from stifling local administration and rural development.

He criticized INEC’s current performance, citing corruption and a lack of integrity, and called for a complete overhaul of the organization to ensure fair and transparent elections. Adikwuru believes that both government reforms and public pressure are necessary to achieve this goal.

Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu, an economist, supported the idea, noting INEC’s capacity to manage voter registration and electoral conflicts across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. He argued that many states lack the financial and logistical resources to conduct local elections efficiently, leading to widespread inefficiencies and biased results in state-managed elections.

Hon. Charles Anike, National President of the Eastern Union (EU), criticized INEC under Yakubu, calling it corrupt and incompetent, and argued that Yakubu should face legal consequences for the mismanagement of the 2023 general elections, which he claimed led to significant loss of life and ongoing suffering for Nigerians.

Despite acknowledging INEC’s shortcomings, Ekechukwu and other analysts believe that a reformed INEC would be better equipped to manage local government elections than the current state electoral bodies.