Mr Echelonye Agbo, a marriage counsellor , on Thursday advised couples to be cautious of interference from third party as they are largely responsible for most broken marriages.
Agbo who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) alleged that the high level of broken marriages recorded in recent times across the country was due to the influence of third party.
He urged couples to be more united, trusting, and communicate more I order to curtail such influence.
Some Abuja residents who spoke to NAN on the issue said young couples would always want to confide in people and also seek advice.
Mr Joel Olanrewaju, a civil servant, was of the opinion that lapses in a marriage between couple brings about third party interference, most especially when they were not `solidly’ united.
Olanrewaju said that most time, parents could influence marriages when they give out their daughters for marriage, while some see marriages as a business venture, especially when the man involved is rich.
“As regards the man, his parents will be teleguiding their son, so as to know everything that is happening between him and his wife and vice versa with the woman,” he said.
Mrs Christy Silas said that there are possibilities that issues or conflict among couples could be resolved amicably without involving outsiders.
” When there is an issue, couple are advised to listen to themselves and dialogue, when you dialogue without confrontation you will get a good result and enhanced unity.
” Dialogue has helped to solve a lot of problems in marriages, no matter how high the tension is; dialogue brings forgiveness, reconciliation and healing in the marriage, ” she said.
Mrs Nkechi Ogunde, a housewife, says that she will not welcome a third party in her marriage except when the situation is out of hand, “Even if there will be any, it will be our sponsor or priest, any other person is not welcome.
“If I am called for an issue as a third party, I will play my part regarding the issue at hand, resolved the matter by explaining to both sides what they needed to do.
“In settling issues, you have to be honest, talk freely but at the same time be very careful about what you say because anytime the couple settles, you that acted as the third party can sometimes bear the burden,” Ogunde said.
Mr Sunday Adun, also a marriage counsel said “people misconstrue the saying that the man is married to the woman’s family and vice versa to mean that it was the obligation of family members to render advice when necessary.’’
” For a couple to avoid third party, they must be united; maintain and nourish relationship.
” When you agree that both of you cannot be influenced; you abide by it, also your language with that of your spouse must be one, not even both parents can interfere,’’ he said.