By Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha
The Member representing Igbo-Eze North State Constituency II in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Clifford Nnaemeka Obe has risen in stout defence of the moral virtues, values and integrity of women of Enugu-Ezike community in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu state.
The House member spoke on the heels of a generalized and defamatory statement made recently by a Nnewi, Anambra State based Evangelist, Jerome Ogbonna who claimed in a viral video during a ministration that today’s women of Enugu-Ezike are no more virtuous but now diabolical and adulterous in their conduct and lifestyles.
The statement had since generated widespread uproar and condemnation as some people had already petitioned the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most. Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye to impose sanctions on the evangelist.
But reacting on the development Hon. Obe expressed deep concerns on the matter and described the comment made by the evangelist as: “unfortunate and utterly unacceptable”
“As the elected representative of Igbo-Eze North Constituency II in the Enugu State House of Assembly, I have already condemned this move and further found this statement not only false and irresponsible but an insult to the dignity, character, and contributions of our women”
“Our women are the backbones of our families, our economy, our faith, and our community values. They are mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, educators, and pillars of moral upbringing. To attempt to stain their collective identity with such sweeping and derogatory language is both unjust and condemnable. I continue to reject this malicious and baseless characterization” he stated.
Though Evangelist Ogbonna has reportedly tendered an apology through social media platforms, Hon. Obe demanded that he retracts the offensive statement through national television station and newspaper, while tendering a public apology to the women of the constituency.
He urged the people of the constituency to resist the temptation of making unguarded utterances and generalizations which can defame others, especially women, whom he said deserve respect and protection.
The lawmaker also commended some prominent sons and daughters of Enugu-Ezike who have taken up this matter boldly and responsibly before now.
“Your voices reflect the spirit of justice and unity that our land is known for. I understand that the Women Wing have been acting on this matter but we assure you that you are not alone and the elderly who have taken it upon themselves to get justice on this matter are commended”, said the Lawmaker.
He assured that the leadership and government of Igbo-Eze North are doing everything right to handle the situation with the seriousness and fairness it deserves.
“Let it be clear that the members of Enugu State House of Assembly stand firmly with the women of Igbo-Eze North. We will not allow any person, no matter how loud or visible, to undermine the values and honour that define our people. I encourage all voices of goodwill, traditional, religious, political, and youth to rise in defence of truth, dignity, and unity in our communities” he stated.
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