Imo widows still plead innocence, seek punitive actions against governor, monarchs

“THEY resorted to blackmail and falsehood to disparage the innocent widows and cover the atrocities the youths had committed against their mothers.

  “We pray that if the allegation of parading a mock coffin is true, then whatever Ndi Eze Imo wishes of them, let it come to pass. But if not, may coffin never depart from their families; and the Almighty God, who is the husband of the widows should visit their wives.   Any governor who sponsored the brutalisation of defenceless widows and wants to seek re-election by brute force, will never rule Imo State again.”

   These were the words of the leader of Imo Widows’ Association, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwabueze, at the weekend, still pleading innocence of the widows, who protested about three weeks ago before they were pounced on and beaten by some hoodlums said to be agents of the Imo State government.

     The widows who briefed journalists after their meeting, expressed disgust over the allegation by the monarchs and the government that they carried mock coffin to the streets, when they were only assembling at the venue near the Okigwe Road Roundabout, Owerri before they were attacked by the youths.

   Those who spoke included:- Mrs. Edith Anyiwo, Mrs. Anthonia, who is a representative of Orlu zone, and Martina Ejimmadu from Okigwe zone.

  Those who sustained injuries, according to the widows’ association leader, included Augustina Acholonu from Ahiazu Mbaise, Onuoha Tesla from Orlu, Julie Akanwa from Ahiazu and Calista Nmerem from Isu local councils of the state. 

  Special attention, according to Nwabueze, was given to Mrs. Mary Mgbehuge of Umuna Autonomous Community in Onuimo Local Council of the state, who had a fracture on her leg as a result of the severe beating by the hoodlums.

   The injured widows had come out to protest the allegation of killing leveled against the Minister of  state for Education, Prof. Viola Adaku Onwuliri (a widow also), and others, before they were assaulted, beaten and stabbed by some youths  alleged to be from the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

  Okorocha and the state government’s statement had since condemned the action of the widows, alleging that they carried mock coffin. 

   Some monarchs later went to the entrance of the Government House to pour libation.