Author and journalist, Yabagi Mohamed, has stated the reasons behind his just-released critically acclaimed book, ‘Wrongly Married,’ which details the turbulence of marriage and many homes.
He told journalists in Lokoja while reacting to the questions surrounding why he came up with the book and what informed the title. He said he titled the book following his past experience from the stories he had read and issues he had covered as a journalist.
The author, who also teaches Mass Communication as a course said many suffer mental abuse in marriages as a result of late realisation that they were not compatible with their spouses, and that societal pressure has left many such couples bound to their partners due to fear of what people would say or shame.
He urged people to read the book and understand that it is better they iron out grey areas, particularly those affecting psychological compatibility, before they agree to marry.
In his words, “It is not from a creative standpoint that I told the story from the voice of the woman because of the emotive ambience, but it is a two–way thing. Suffering psychologically as a result of neglect from your partner is worse than physical abuse. Unfortunately, this is happening in our society.
“The irony is that such a situation is not peculiar to any community, state, or country. It is a universal phenomenon that requires couples to take a step back and reflect on the good old days when their relationship began.
“It is better for two people who are romantically involved to realise the things they could tolerate from their partners and what they cannot. Irrespective of how you look at it, broken marriages have a lasting negative impact capable of permanently damaging people.”
Wrongly Married is a short story, arranged in eighteen ‘parts,’ rather than ‘chapters.’ It is a creative semi-fiction account shaped not only by my observation but by experience. It is a lyrical, courageous dive into the quiet undoing of a marriage, and the louder rediscovery of self.
When he’s not writing, teaching, or consulting, Yabagi enjoys meaningful conversations, reflective solitude, and time with his beloved family. He is married and blessed with a beautiful daughter, whose laughter often reminds him of all the reasons to keep telling the truth.
