Aliu Yesufu, the spouse of the co-founder of the 'Bring Back Our Girls' movement, Aisha Yesufu, revealed that the well-known activist used to be a shy young woman who was always afraid of speaking in public when they first met.
He shared this information while giving a speech on 'The Act of Becoming a Purposeful Man' at a symposium in Abuja celebrating Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili's 70th birthday, the husband of former Minister of Education, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili.
“When I married Aisha, she was in her 300 Level. Nobody knew her then. She was hesitant and used to be afraid of speaking in public. Wherever she went to speak, I would be the one to read the speech and would always explain to her the way to go about it until she got used to it.
“A man shouldn’t always use his authority, even if his religion allows it. He shouldn’t be seen as competing with his wife. Usually, we want to be the ones giving orders and watching women carry them out. This is perhaps why most of the wars reported in history are caused by men,” he stated.
Aliu, however, acknowledged that people's perception of his wife changed when she became involved in activism and her anti-corruption campaign.
He noted that at one point, his family, friends, and associates would often call to ask how he coped with her at home.
“Pastor Chinedu and I belong to the same club. Our wives are more popular than us, and we have accepted that. And just like him, I still call my wife baby too. We know men have egos and may find it intimidating to marry women like Aisha or Ezekwesili.
“Have you ever been requested to step aside because somebody wants to take a photograph with your wife? Seriously, that is my lot. It is really laughable, and in most cases, it is the Gen Z that does that most.
“Many people have the notion that no woman, especially a married one, should be seen doing what Aisha is doing. At one point, my family and friends used to call to ask how I coped with her. But I told them it is not a difficult thing,” he said.
