By Ehichioya Steve Odion
Edo women have unanimously come out in their number to express their disappointment over a statement credited to the former governor of Edo State , Comrade Adams Oshiomhole against the first lady of the state, Dr. Betsy Ifueko Obaseki.
The women condemned the sacrilegious statement in which Oshiomhole purportedly mocked the Obasekis for their childlessness, giving him 48 hours to retract the statement.
The women unanimously demanded from Adams Oshiomhole within 48 hours to tender an unreserved apology to Dr. Betsy Ifueko Obaseki, Gov. Obaseki, family of Obaseki, Edo women and Nigeria women in general.
They said they woke up to see a shocking video where Adams Oshiomhole was mocking their father and mother of been childless, saying it was done in bad faith. They said this has shown the kind of character of leaders being elected to govern the people in this country.
In a press briefing in Benin City yesterday by the Edo women under the leadership of the Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Maria Omozele Edeko, the women added that this kind of unpleasant attitude by the so call leaders is the reason the country is not functioning well. They asserted that it is also the reason the people must continue to canvass for the election of Asue Ighodalo to be the next governor of Edo State. They described Ighodalo as a man well raised by his parents to love and respect women humanity.
"It is a taboo, a sacrilege and desecration of Edo land to mock a woman or a couple for not bearing a child. It shames us as a people. To mock someone is a grave sin and it's more grave to the extent that more respect is due to the person who is being mocked. This is why it is most grievous to mock God and the things of God - this according to Isaiah 37: 23", whom have you reproached?" "Those who mock others for not having children yet could be described as one of the most ungrateful person on earth. What did they do to deserve the children they have? Do they have children because they were more righteous or they are holier than those that do not have children".
"We rise as women of Edo State, home and abroad, to denounce this shameful conduct of Adams Aliu Oshiomhole . We call on all women and couples that have gone through the pain of not bearing a child on time or not having a child at all to curse this man."
The women who were comprised of market women, women from different organizations, widows, female lawyers group, girls and other women across the state described Dr. Betsy Ifueko Obaseki as a woman of pure heart and special gift to Edo State who facilitated the recognition of women by the state government which has translated to various appointments into government positions both at the state and local government levels.
They specifically appealed to the first lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu to quickly intervene in this matter to save Nigeria women from further embarrassment and intimidation now and in the future.
They also called on the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and other Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to call Adams Oshiomhole to order to save Nigerian women from this open public attack which they again described as an abomination in the land.
They also described Oshiomhole's utterances as an abuse of human hood . "The women of Edo State are highly depressed. We regretted having supported him in the past. Why will he descend so low to alter such an abominable words. From today we Edo women are withdrawing our support from whatever he will be in doing in the future in the state."
They equally called on the traditional rulers under the leadership of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, religion leaders in the state and all well meaning individuals to intervene in this matter by calling Adams Oshiomhole to order and made him to apologize to the entire people of Edo State, especially the women.
They also recalled when he told a widow to go and die in the state during his tenure as governor of Edo State, which they said it shows the kind of hatred he has for women.
Other women present at the press briefing include, Efosa Uyigue, Vice chairman, Ovia North East Local Government, Barr. Lucy Omagbon, Herbert Okonofua, Amb. Queen Obaseki and many others
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