The President of the Abia Women Assembly, Iyom Barr. Nnenna Obewu Onwuka, has condemned a recent protest by some women and youths in Ohafia against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, describing the action as sponsored and capable of overheating Abia State’s political climate.
In a press statement personally signed on Friday, Onwuka warned against actions she said undermine responsible leadership, moral values and peaceful democratic engagement.
She said she was compelled to speak at what she described as a critical moment, reaffirming her position not only as President of the Abia Women Assembly, but also as President of the Agunwanyi Odo Foundation, Executive Director of Divine Grace International Montessori School, former Commissioner for Transport in Abia State, and former Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area.
‘Motherhood Must Never Be Associated With Death Wishes’
The women leader strongly criticised statements allegedly made during the protest, particularly comments she said were suggestive of hostility and death wishes.
“No responsible mother should publicly or secretly wish death upon another woman’s child under any circumstance,” she stated.
“Motherhood represents compassion, protection and the preservation of life. To stand publicly or secretly and wish another person dead is archaic, barbaric and completely unchristlike.”
According to her, such conduct contradicts African cultural values, Christian teachings and the moral foundations upon which communities are built.
Allegations of Political Sponsorship
Onwuka also condemned individuals she alleged sponsored and encouraged the protest, describing the development as a sign of “dangerous political desperation” capable of destabilising the state.
She questioned why those allegedly behind the demonstrations did not present their own families at the forefront, arguing that responsible leadership demands accountability and sincerity rather than the mobilisation of vulnerable citizens for divisive political ends.
She called for a return to civility and issue-based politics, warning that democratic competition must not degenerate into intimidation, hostility or incitement.
‘No One Can Bar Kalu From His Constituency’
Addressing concerns over Senator Kalu’s political activities, Onwuka stressed that political participation remains a constitutional right.
She maintained that no individual or group has the authority to prevent the senator from entering Ohafia or any part of Abia North Senatorial District, describing such suggestions as contrary to democratic principles.
According to her, the lawmaker is not stopping anyone from contesting elections or testing their popularity at the polls, insisting that politics should remain open, fair and guided by truth rather than misinformation.
Defence of Kalu’s Record
Reviewing Kalu’s performance in office, Onwuka said his record compares favourably with past occupants of the seat.
She cited road rehabilitation and infrastructure support across communities, educational assistance and scholarship programmes, youth empowerment and skills acquisition initiatives, social welfare support for vulnerable constituents, and efforts to attract federal presence and development projects to Abia North as notable achievements.
She added that the senator has no history of violence against his people and should not be subjected to politics driven by hostility or incitement.
“Abia State is known for intellect, civility and peaceful coexistence,” she said, urging those engaging in what she described as dangerous politics to desist.
Call for Peace and Responsible Politics
Onwuka further appealed to political stakeholders, community leaders and youth groups to prioritise unity, development and the collective reputation of Abia State above narrow political interests.
She noted that peaceful politics would help attract investment and promote sustainable development across Abia North and the state at large.
“The future of Abia depends on responsible leadership and dignified political engagement,” she stated, urging citizens to embrace mature democratic conduct and reject actions capable of bringing dishonour to their communities.
