By Our Correspondent
Nigerian lawmaker and businessman Senator Ned Nwoko has sparked widespread reactions after stating that he feels sorry for men who have only one wife. He argued that polygamy provides men with greater balance and stability while also helping to address social and economic challenges in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today, the Delta North senator compared monogamy to standing on one leg, insisting that men are more fulfilled when married to multiple women.
He said he feels sorry for those who have one wife, adding that standing on one leg is difficult but with two, three, or four, a man becomes more balanced.
When questioned about the Christian teaching that promotes monogamy, Nwoko maintained that the Old Testament supports polygamy. He said he draws inspiration from biblical figures who had multiple wives and were still considered blessed by God.
Nwoko, who is married to four wives and reportedly has 19 children, argued that polygamy can contribute to social stability by reducing the number of unmarried women, especially in southern Nigeria. According to him, the rejection of polygamy in the South has led to a rise in prostitution and other social problems.
He explained that many women are without husbands, particularly in the southern part of the country, and if more men embraced polygamy like in the North, it could help solve some of these challenges.
The senator also claimed that polygamous men tend to be more responsible with their finances, using their resources to support their families rather than spending lavishly on temporary relationships.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions across social media and among commentators. While some traditionalists applauded his views as an effort to uphold African marital customs, others criticized his remarks as outdated, patriarchal, and dismissive of the realities of modern marriage.
Critics argue that his comparison of marriage to standing on one leg oversimplifies the complexities of relationships and undermines womens dignity. They also point out that polygamy often leads to rivalry, jealousy, and financial strain in households without adequate means.
Polygamy remains legally recognized under customary and Islamic laws in many parts of Nigeria, though the Marriage Act upholds monogamy. The practice continues to be a topic of debate, particularly regarding gender equality, economic implications, and religious interpretation.
Despite the backlash, Senator Nwoko said he has no regrets about his lifestyle choices, adding that he and his family are happy and content with their lives.
