LOYALTY WINS

Chioma sat in the driver’s seat of her new Innoson Jeep. She had been in the same position for the past 15 minutes, fuming. Although she had inserted the key in the ignition earlier, she couldn’t bring herself to actually start the engine. She was so angry when she left the house and planned to go straight to a lawyer friend to commence divorce proceedings against her husband but she had been warned at driving school not to move a vehicle under strong emotions.

She looked around the spacious interior. This vehicle is too big for me, she thought. With that line of thought, her hands began to relax on the steering wheel which she seemed to have been holding for dear life. As she relaxed her grip, the tightness about her face also began to loosen. Suddenly it dawned on her that she wasn’t going to leave her husband.

He was stubborn, ambitious and single-minded in his present political pursuit quite alright, but he wasn’t a bad person. Just like this huge automobile he bought for her, he had an over-sized heart. All she needed was to stretch herself a little more to help him achieve some of those grandiose plans that kept him awake at night.

It was wrong of him to declare his political aspiration without consulting her, arrogant of him to presume that she would drop everything in order to support him and most insensitive of him to carelessly ask if she had handed in her resignation yet at the breakfast table, before two of his political associates. What presumptuousness! Sounding as if he has won the election already when he hasn’t even secured the party’s ticket!

But she would stand by him, that’s what people do for those they love. Loyalty to a spouse is worth commending, she thought, even to a conceited one like hers. She would rejoice with him if he succeeded and console him if he failed. She would secure a three-month leave of absence, renewable if need be. There was so much to do, people to see, that sort of thing. She really needed to get going. With a quick glance at her reflection in the left side mirror, she turned the key in the ignition and the engine rumbled to life.

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– The end-
Ⓒ Edith Ugochi Ohaja 2015

My question is this: Do you feel this woman is moving in the right direction or she’s just a sucker?

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118 comments

  • Ugwuanyi O.T

    well for me, the much I can say is that the woman is moving in the right direction, this is what she would had done without hesitation, but it was never too late. This character exhibited here is worthy of emulation.
    I seriously encourage couples to apply serenity is their endeavour. Thanks for this story; more grease to ur elbow.

  • Anonymous

    I concur, loyalty do not only win, it pays. This not only applicable in marriages but also in our everyday life.

  • This story really thought me a lot. Thanks ma

  • yeah, i think the woman is going to the right direction… what she did was worth learning from…silent speaks louder than words…nice post mam..keep up the good works.

  • oleru precious

    loyalty is needed in marriage

  • Tobechi

    She was right to let loyalty win, after all, she took the oath at the altar! FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE. But that was too insensitive of her husband. An excellent story.

  • Barnabas Timothy ebube

    Every fascinating… Loyalty actually pays

  • Onuorah chinemerem

    She’s going in the wrong direction!
    Personally,the husband should have shown a little common sense in asking her to resign. Its just so thoughtless of her to want to give up her job (or dreams,whatever), to suit her husband’s political ambition. Marriage is about two humans who can sacrifice stuff for each other, but the sacrifice requires absolute discussion where all pros and cons are raised; never on the breakfast table in the presence of friends!
    If you’ll give up your dreams make sure its because of something worthwhile, not because of wealth
    Jeez,does she not want to be happy/fulfilled?

  • okafor chioma rita

    marriage is for better or worse so she has to endure

  • Oweka Chioma Sandra

    Wives should learn to tolerate their husbands.That’s what love is about

  • Ugwu Amarachi Deborah

    loyalty and patience is seriously needed in marriage. thanks ma for sharing the wonderful piece

  • I must comment is noteworthy

  • Njoku Chimamaka Elizabeth

    loyalty is key.

  • ulu christiana

    patience and loyalty is necessary in marriage

  • Evans brainz Ezeme

    she is o! to obey is better than sacrifice

  • ubah chisom mariagorathy

    tolerance is the key to a successful marriage

  • Amadi victoria chinwendu

    loyalty is just the answer.

  • Otugo Lucky Joel

    Loyalty plays an important role when it comes to marriage

  • itodo mary

    loyalty is just the key

  • ajibo lovelyn onyedikachi

    loyalty and patience is really the key in marriage

  • ugwoke onyinyechi sylvia

    She is surely a good wife. Love and respect is important in a relationship.

  • Nweke Jemimah Chisom

    loyalty wins indeed!

  • A good wifey should be known for loyalty and respect in her husbands house and that’s exactly what Chioma did.future wifes pls learn from chioma

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C.

    loyalty is very important in marriage

  • odiase erico osazee

    not only in marriage, anything in life that needs a man capability needs loyalty also.

  • Daniel nnadi

    is it because her husband is rich that she stayed

    • Edith Ohaja

      The story didn’t say he is rich. Not all politicians are rich while seeking office. Some have sponsors (godfathers).

    • Anekwe Paschaline

      I think it is wrong of him to take such a decision without first discussing it with his wife. This is something that affects their family. But I do not believe she should divorce him because of that, there is no misunderstanding that cannot be resolved with dialogue. She should sit her husband down and find out what his reasons were for making such decisions and so rashly at that.

  • one needs loyalty in his or her marriage for a better home

  • ugwu kosisochukwu ifunanya

    the bible advices women to be submissive to their husbands, I don’t see anything wrong in what the woman planned to do. definitely her refusal will create issues between herself and her husband, and I have reasons to believe that the beauty of any marriage is peace.

  • maduabuchi ebubechukwu deborah

    the husband is wrong to have asked her to quit her job, that is a very selfish act

  • she is going the right direction….. loyalty wins indeed

  • DIM CHIKODIRI VIVIAN

    The woman did the right thing.

    • Truly loyalty wins, if the couples are loyal to each other they stay longer, back up each other and forgive and forget no matter the dilemma, help each other, communicate, respect and love themselves and thus makes marriage a bed of roses even if it is on thorns.

  • Chioma Njoku

    love and understanding and the ability to overlook the weaknesses of others in relationships really keeps it going and adds beauty to them. nice one ma!

  • Ekpali Joseph Saint

    great! both the title of the story and theme; loyalty and calmness, are wonderful.

  • Marriage is not just a cab we get into whenever we want and get out wherever we want. We have to learn to be patient and loyalty is the key

  • Okoro ukamaka Victoria

    Indeed loyalty is one of the basis of any relationship.

  • Ogota Jennifer Adaeze

    though the husband wasnt right, but as an igbo proverb rightly said (uto bu enecha ayara)

  • Udeh Favour.M

    It all dawns on loyalty and love for your spouse

  • onyema chinonyelum cynthia

    the best feeling ever is to know that a friend or spouse is loyal to you and will forever have your back.

  • chinenye nwokoye

    I understand the woman’s anger at first but also respect her decision at last.

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C.

    well for me i think she has every right to be angry with the husband, because i believe before the husband or wife does anything that involves the family as a whole he or she should let the spouse know, but understanding and loyalty keeps a family going,having a divorce is not really the right thing to do if she understands the man and see reasons with him.. so to some extent both of them are faulty

  • Victoria Nonike

    Communication, compromise, loyalty, patience are few ingredients needed for a successful marriage. the earlier couples realise that, the better for them. nice write up ma!

  • Agi Comfort Obahi

    I am really happy Chioma handled the issue rightly I learnt something from her the way she allowed herself to calm down… decisions shouldn’t be made when we are angry and that is exactly what Chioma did
    she just needed to give her husband more time by the way that is what love is about.
    this will be helpful to me when I am married thank you

  • thelma Ideozu

    Loyalty is indeed importantin marriage but love is not equal to long-suffering (or suffering in silence). Her husband should have had a discussion with her first. Compromises made for the wrong reasons can lead to resentment later.

  • Ezeme Evans Ejike

    Loyalty in any relationship is golden, patience is surpreme.

  • Eze Benjamin Oduma

    I would say that understanding is key to every marriage and no one should undermind the other no matter what. Respect for one another should should be encouraged. He should have reasoned with his wife and no throwing it open at the dining.

  • Ezenwa Obinna G.

    Understanding in a relationship is the best quality needed. Nice one ma.

  • Ogbalu Treasure Onyinye

    Although I’m glad that she thought things through calmly rather than in anger and I understand her views on why its important to be loyal, supportive and what have you. I would feel very disrespected and valueless if my husband arrogantly made life changing decisions like this one without at least seeking my opinion. Nice one ma.

  • Vanessa Ezenwafor

    I’m glad she didn’t let her emotions lead her. Glad for the little time she took to rethink her situation. Her husband needs the best backbone he can get now and she’s ready for that.
    Go win dear!! Loyalty it is.

  • ugochukwu ogwu

    Marriage is all about two people coming together in an agreement to be loyal to eachother therefore she was right to let loyalty win since she took the oath of marriage. Thank you ma

  • Atudume B. Chinwendu

    Moving in the right direction, that am not too sure, women are naturally complicated, but quite soft when you know how to break through those hall of complications. Now chioma’s husband has not won the election yet, until he wins will he now demand for total support from his wife. I don’t think she sucks she is just trying to be a virtuous woman.

  • praise chinazom onaga

    it is a good thing that chioma gave it a second thought although what her husband did was annoying. he should have spoken to her first about his plans.

  • Ndudu John

    She is moving in the right direction. If her heart is at peace after looking at the bigger picture, being her husbands passionately ambitious mindset, her bond with him as husband and wife and the fact that they must be at each others’ sides through thick and thin then she is really being assertive and humble. She has realized than nothing is more precious than that special bond between husband and wife and of course family. After all, if he wins, they both will hit the limelight and live large.

  • ibemma Ginikachukwu

    Marriage is a sweet thing but definitely there must be pothole on the way but what matters is how you tackle it.Loyalty and perseverance are one of the keys to a successful marriage. Chioma has proved to be a good and a supportive wife.

  • Eze Stanley Justice

    loyalty overcomes all things, in life it keeps one on a higher level, in marriage, it silence misunderstanding there fore it is av truism that loyalty wins.

  • Gideon Kosiso

    Marriage is nice and lovely but there is always a time misunderstanding invades. Tolerance and acceptance is the solution to adhere to any misunderstanding. Nice write up.

  • Nneji Mary Chinenye

    Marriage is for better for worse and no matter the situation we find ourselves in our marriages we should always remember communication is key.

  • Atu Mercy John

    In marriage you go through thick and thin with your spouse that’s why understanding,commitment,communication,loyalty e.t.c are all necessary…most importantly believing and supporting your spouse decisions goes a long way in making your marriage work…she’s taking the right direction.

  • MOKOGWU JOSEPHINE

    Well, I feel chioma is on the right track, I mean, it is good for her to support her husband , to stand by him and also understanding is very important in marriage.

  • A I uchenna adanna

    Her skills are worthy of emulation..marriage needs both spouses to balance ..the woman has her roles ,so does the man …in all understanding is ultimate ..I learnt a lot from this piece.love you ma.

  • Odeke Camilus Chidubem

    Well for the fact that she calmly thought things out without taking action under the influence of anger, she is moving in the right direction. Her husband on his part is not being fair to her. Resignation? hmm, what of if he looses the election. The point is i think, is for them to settle down things amicably.

  • Kat

    Chioma was right in deciding to stick to her husband. He may not have told her about his plans in the most proper way but i’m sure he didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. Understanding really is key

    • Willie Albert Zikiye

      Loyalty to a spouse is worth commending. This short story “Loyalty Win” is a solution to African broken homes and families. Prior to this present day in the African society, women stood by their spouse. But to day, the reverse is the case. Studies in Sociology reveals that “African Family In Crisis ” because there is no loyalty between couples. Men and women vie for everything in the society. Women assuming the roles of men therefore, creating an Egalitarian Family. This was not the ideal family practiced in Africa before. Things are falling apart but it is a truism that Loyalty between spouse can rebuild African ideal family and even families in the whole world.

  • Adonu Ifeanyichukwu B

    When I was about to sip my cold juice to enjoy the intrigue you ended it. Wow beautiful story. It takes someone who is genuinely in love to have taken this type of decision. Her husband is really inconsiderate to have taken all those life time decisions without seeking her opinion as his wife. All the same, she made the right choice by choosing to stay with him.

  • Akuma Victor

    It’s right that Chioma came up with those thoughts. She understands that the husband does care but much driven by his ambition. She knowing that she needs to help make those dreams of the husband reality makes her a woman of virtue

  • Anazodo Helen

    She is indeed going in the right direction, like they say women are the pillar in a relationship, she was right to let loyalty win

  • Morgan Joy

    She is moving in the right direction. She is really a wise woman with commendable temperament. This story illustrates how a woman can keep her home going. Very good story.

  • Nwokolo Chidera

    Loyalty in your marriage refers to whether you uphold or damage your spouse’s public image. It is different from being faithful to your spouse, which refers to upholding your vows. Being a loyal spouse means you speak highly of your spouse’s good qualities and your spouse knows you can be counted on to defend his honor. Although Chioma’s husband is wrong for making such rash decisions, that should not be a reason to be separated. I believe Chioma took the right decision.

  • Lynda chisom

    From my own view,i would say she is in the right direction.Loyalty is a good virtue needed is every marriage and relationship and in this case her husband was moving into something positive that will make their future better,though was bad of him not telling his wife initially but in all she still understands and will give him the support he needs.

  • Nkwocha chibueze innocent

    Some men do not value loyalty in marriage. Loyalty is not only for the ladies, men should also be loyal to their wives.

  • Nnachetam Favour

    Short but striking. It’s a very nice piece for newly married and singles, to have an Idea of what they are getting into. The wife here is indeed on the right track but that doesn’t mean that the husband should focus more on his outside aspiration, his No1 priority as a husband is to resolve the government of his home before going for any outside one. Nice piece ma.

  • Kingsley ngwu

    Communication is key in marriage,so couples should always plan together, but when the situation gets to this level either one of the partner would av to exercise patience just like the wife did here

  • Nkwocha Chibueze Innocent

    chioma was in a state of dilemma, she was about to divorce her husband who was only after his political aspirations, but she applied knowledge and decided to stand by her husband, which is a better decision..the story is teaching us the need to think very well before jumping into conclusion

  • Ugwoke Ifechukwu melvib

    In the work, it is clear that Chioma’s husband treated her unfairly by going into politics without telling her and expecting her to give up part of her life to support him. Chioma’s loyalty shines through when she decides to stay with her husband through success or failure, which also serves as a lesson to everyone.

  • Nnamani Oluoma Esther

    Couples should learn to consult each other before taking any actions or making any decisions. We shouldn’t just take it for granted that our spouse would be OK with anything we do, we must ask them first. Couples should also learn to support each other at all times but not blindly. Chioma did the right thing by deciding to apply for 3months leave instead of resigning completely like her husband said. He could win the elections and also loose it. So, Chioma can still have her job if he looses. We should be guided.

  • Chukwu Oluebube juliet

    Loyalty and patience is very important for a healthy marriage

  • Afiadigwe Nnedinso Rita

    This is short, captivating and educative ma.
    Communication, understanding, love, and patience are the back bone of a well-established marriage.

  • Anabude oluchi

    The need to tolerate our spouse or one another cannot be overemphasized because these are two individuals with different characters and we live to complement each other and continue to be supportive and secondly when we humble ourselves even though your spouse is at fault and with love you can resolve the differences, it goes a long way to put issues under control.

  • Emmanuel chibuike

    Not minding what your spouse did to you, loyalty remains golden. It is normal for human beings to be angry especially when they think they were not treated well, just like chioma did. But amidst such anger do not be led by your emotions but remember that even that person that wronged you then, that there was a time he/she was a Darling. Chioma wasn’t happy with her husband for not telling her about his political ambitions and also for asking her about her leave of absence in front of his friends. But she could remember that the husband has a good heart and an oversized one at that. She then decided to stand by him

  • ErnestValentine

    It has never been a thing of regret when we act after a calm evaluation of a situation. If she gives him all the desired support, she is being a wife and soulmate. Though, Chioma was right by being angry in the first place. For heaven’s sake, they are married. Needless to say that her husband should have sought her opinion on his political aspirations before pushing for it.

  • Ugwu Chika Samson

    Oh! Such a wonderful woman, if every woman is like chiamaka there is no need to be worried in the side of men because she will always be there to make things right , come rain, come sun. May her likes never cease to exist .

  • Offor priscilla

    In every marriage, there is always some problems and flaws in it. But, the problem is how to tackle those flaws. she found the problem in her marriage and the solution to it.
    Marriage has never been a bed of roses; it needs God’s intervention, tolerance and patience to fight through. So to me, she did the right thing.

  • Duruji Veralin Ogochukwu

    I understand Chioma’s anger and it is justified but her understanding and coming to terms with the issues at hand showed her maturity and immense love for her husband. Marriage is indeed not a bed of roses.

  • Catherine Anokwuru

    Such a wise way of dealing with an issue. This shows the benefits of not making hasty decisions while angry.

  • Very short story but I still got the gist of it. Communication is key in every relationship. I think she should support her husband but not loose her job for him either. And running away from the marriage when things get tough isn’t right. Most successful marriages today took a lot of hardships to build.

  • Okalishi Oliver

    Well, it’s quite fortunate that she is on the right track of the institution, marriage contract, she entered with her husband.
    Though the husband didn’t tell her priror to the incident of his political ambition, she shouldn’t have taken it so wrong fast of upting for divorce. Thanks to God that she realized herself instantly to do the right thing and at the right time, that is to encourage and support him.

  • Agena Yimase

    For me, the tittle doesn’t relate. I don’t think its okay for a woman to put her life on ‘stand-still’ for her husband ans especially not for his ambitions to be achieved,A WOMAN HAS AMBITIONS TOO!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Lol! I think you’re quarreling with the storyline, not with the title. A woman has ambitions quite alright, but this story is talking about her husband’s ambitions. Tomorrow, it may be the turn of the husband to support her. And take it easy, my dear! Nothing much is gained from having a militant attitude to every gender issue. ? ? ?

  • Nwosu Victoria

    loyalty always wins for sure…however it is necessary to always carry people who are loyal to you along in whatever you do. it increases their loyalty towards you and makes them feel that you appreciate their loyalty. the woman was not completely to want to leave but we are all humans and we could get angry at one point or the other. so it all boils down to being completely open to those who are loyal to you especially a spouse.

  • Ernest Sixtus

    Although, Loyalty is vital in every marriage. But in this case, I don’t see why the woman should register such kind of thought, of divorcing her newly married husband.

    Loyalty suggests, she should still respect him, even if he had disclosed his political ambition as lately as she should have expected.

    In the other hand, women are quite desperate about things that are important to them. So, men learn to incline her along your dreams. Do that in time.

  • Onwuamaeze Ikechukwu John

    Taking decisions in an infuriated mode is never advisable. A good decision made by Chioma, she was so wise enough to have likened her husband to the gigantic machine ,realizing that by virtue of their matrimony they must be loyal when challenges as such arises.

  • Ozioko Glory Oluchi

    Chioma is moving in the right direction. She’s her husband’s help meet, therefore, it is her duty to be there for her husband and help him in the areas she can.

  • Charles D.

    Chioma is a wife all other wives should emulate because she is a loyal wife and will definitely be loved and cherished by her husband.

  • Mbata Jemita

    I think Chioma is moving in the right direction her ability to understand her husband was a good decision she made, though he was selfish. Her decision to stand by him and help him out is a good one that other wives should emulate .

  • Rose Mary

    Most men have pride and can be controlling but it only a matured woman that can tame them and we need to understand that without loyalty we can’t accomplish anything.

  • Kooyon Abigail A

    Heart of a woman!
    She is on the right direction,if I’m asked.
    Her husband may be a very strong headed and annoying person but until she meets my dad, she would be thankful for what she has. ???
    Calmness,understanding and patience should travail over anger and over reaction in any relationship…

  • Chukwunwenwa Chinenye

    It’s not out of place for Chioma to be angry. I mean, this is an issue that has to do with one’s career and the best place to discuss it with his wife was while having breakfast with people? Haba! The man no try Abeg. What if after resigning and her husband didn’t win?

    But then, I really admired Chioma’s rethink. Filing a divorce isn’t the best option. She needs to sit her husband down and iron out things. They should strategise on better way to resolve the issue with love.

    Chioma isn’t on the wrong track, her loyalty will surely pay off.

  • Aroh Cynthia Chioma

    It feels good having people who you love around when you need them most.
    Chioma’s decision was a nice one because she needs to be there for the love of her life to help him in achieving his ambitions.

  • Ugwoke Jennifer

    I commend chioma’s understanding to know that getting a divorce might not be the right option. Her husband can be stubborn, over ambitious but the truth there is that the man has a goal and to achieve that he needs his family by his side. Chioma made the right decision.

  • Otung Theresa

    Loyalty is good ooo but you shouldn’t take your spouse loyalty for granted, for me she has every right to be angry but last last I sha love her resolve to stick through with her husband..
    Thanks Ma’am for sharing

  • Bryan. c. okoroigwe

    Loyalty is paramount to a successful marriage, regardless.

  • Chimezie Goodness Adimchinobi

    Love is loyal.The husband maybe wrong after all…but there are lots to look forward to,just have to be humble and understandable.

  • Okoloji kosisochukwu vivian

    All she did,she did for love sake,I think she’s going towards the right direction, proving stubborn or divorcing her husband won’t do her any good.

  • Ebere

    Loyalty really pays… Not just to your spouse but to others around you. And for me Chioma is really moving in the right direction

  • Egenti Blossom Mmesoma

    Tough and trying times do come in a marriage but that doesnt mean it has to crash. Her anger is not misplaced but iy doesnt mean that she shouldn’t support him just because he didn’t tell her about his plans. There’s this innate advantage about couples who uplift each other. The proverb in the book of Ecclesiastes says “two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil, for if they fall one will uplift the fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not anyone to lift him up”.

  • Loyalty is very good in marriage and even in our daily endeavours. Loyalty brings peace in a marriage.so, she did the right thing by agreeing with the husband.

  • Joy Morgan

    She made a wise choice. Sometimes making sacrifices makes us the bigger person. I also like the fact that she did not make a rash decision. I love this story.

  • Ezekiel Stanley C.

    For me, I will say that the woman made the right decision because what will become of her if she divorce the husband? what if she has a child or even children what become of them? Marriage is for the better or for worse but God forbid. Nice and educative story. God richly empower you the more.

  • Adiukwu Desire

    That is what I called a virtuous woman.. marriage is for better or for worse… I believe things will eventually turn out better for tgem Right. decision she made. Cheers!!!

  • Menkiti Vivian

    For me I will say she made the right decision… Marriage is understanding, patience and sacrifice… Am not married but raised in a family
    I tried to ask myself what if she divorce the ma, of what benefit is it for her and possibly her children…

  • Tosin Ojora

    Interesting; spouses should learn how to support themselves when it comes to purpose. Again, husbands should also learn how to carry their wives along in all they do.

  • Jacenta ossai.

    A good write up ma. Chioma did the right thing by having a rethink of the situation, despite her husband flaws. Being a married woman can be quite challenging sometimes but this is like a test on loyalty and she proved just that.

  • Ijeoma Dike

    Personally, I feel that the man is being selfish. Yes, he has big plans for him and his wife. But what about her dreams and aspirations too. It’s wrong to ask someone to give up everything they’ve worked hard for. But anyways different strokes for different folks.

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