The President of the Abia Women Assembly, Iyom Barr. Nnenna Obewu Onwuka, has strongly condemned the recent protest involving some women and youths from Ohafia, describing it as a sponsored action capable of overheating the political atmosphere in Abia State.
In a press release issued on Friday, personally signed by her, Iyom Onwuka warned against actions capable of undermining responsible leadership, moral values and peaceful political engagement in the state.
Speaking in her capacity as President of the Abia Women Assembly, 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, she said it had become necessary to speak out at a critical moment to reaffirm societal and moral standards.
She strongly criticised statements allegedly made during the protest, stressing that motherhood must never be associated with hostility or 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 values, Christian teachings and the moral foundations upon which communities are built.
Onwuka further condemned individuals she alleged sponsored and encouraged the protest, warning that such actions reflect dangerous political desperation capable of destabilising Abia State. She questioned why those allegedly behind the demonstrations failed to present their own families at the forefront, insisting that responsible leadership requires accountability and sincerity rather than the mobilisation of vulnerable citizens for divisive political purposes.
She called for a return to civility and issue-based politics, stressing that democratic competition must not degenerate into intimidation, hostility or incitement.
The Abia Women Assembly president also addressed concerns surrounding the political activities of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, noting that political participation remains a constitutional right.
She emphasised that nobody has the authority to prevent Senator Kalu from entering Ohafia or any part of his constituency, describing such suggestions as wrong and contrary to democratic principles. According to her, the senator is not stopping anyone from contesting elections or testing their popularity at the polls, adding that politics should remain open, fair and guided by democratic values rather than misinformation.
She urged political actors and supporters to avoid operating in ignorance and instead promote peace, understanding and lawful political engagement.
Reviewing Senator Kalu’s performance in office, Onwuka stated that his record compares favourably with those who previously held the position. 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 the attraction of federal presence and development projects to Abia North as notable achievements.
She added that Senator Kalu 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 immediately.
Onwuka further called on political stakeholders, community leaders and youth groups to prioritise unity, development and the collective reputation of Abia State above narrow political interests, noting that peaceful politics would help attract investment and promote sustainable development across Abia North and the state at large.
She concluded by urging citizens to embrace mature democratic conduct and reject actions capable of bringing dishonour to their communities.
“The future of Abia depends on responsible leadership and dignified political engagement,” she stated.
