Senator Uche Ekwunife (IYOM) has described as barbaric, wicked and condemnable the dehumanization of a woman over allegation that she was responsible for the death of her husband.
The young woman, in a video that went viral on the social media, was publicly paraded naked by members of the family of her deceased husband in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Senator Ekwunife, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Senate, said in a statement that she received the report of the video clip with sadness.
She said such a barbaric act was not only condemnable but outrightly disgusting and wondered that what could have led supposedly rational-thinking human beings to engage in such an act which described as inhumane and wicked.
Senator Ekwunife said: “Such a sad incident happening at a time when advocacy for the protection and preservation of women rights is on the increase, is nothing but unfortunate.
“It is worthy to say that those who allowed themselves to be used to portray such a show of shame are in total disconnect with what is obtainable in a lawful society like ours.
“Concluding that a woman killed her husband during sexual intercourse when there could be a thousand and one reasons why the death of the man could have occurred is part of the gender bias that has continued to envelope our society for which some of us are determined to break.”
Senator Ekwunife admonished that all stakeholders must continue to work to ensure that women are not victimized simply because they are women or seen to be helpless.
“To think that those who perpetrated such shameful act have mothers, wives and sisters beats my imagination. Would they approve such treatment on their loved one? Certainly No!
“I am however delighted to hear that the police have made some arrests with respect to the incident. Those involved in such ugly incident should be made to face the full wrath of the law. There should be no room for mundane, backward and outdated tradition in our society.
“With the intervention of various government agencies, my colleague and sister, Senator Stella Oduah, senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, and other well-meaning Anambrarians, I am confident that the incident will be treated with the seriousness it deserves to forestall its recurrence in future.
“I am equally committed to partnering with the aforementioned to ensure that justice is served on this matter,” Senator Ekwunife added in the statement.
