There is a saying in Igboland that “ aruru ala gbaa afo, owuo omena ala”; the import of which is that any habit left unchecked for a period becomes a custom. We are all witness to the emergence of a group known as “Imo widows association”. This group, which was hitherto unheard of in Imo State, has gained infamy by their deviation from what purports to be the import of their organisation, into crass political partisanship. What could be more insidious?
In other parts of the world were widows associations exist, they are formed for the sole purpose of supporting widows who are grieving the loss of their beloved ones. A website in Ireland, of a Widow’s Organisation, widows.ie, which was founded by Colette Byrne in 2009, states the following as her aim of setting up the website, “from the start I realised how horrible widowhood is. Before Peter’s death, I was ignorant to the many difficulties faced by being widowed. It was only when in the depths of grief and after discovering an American widow support website did I realise the benefit of an online support forum”. The motto behind widows.ie is, “… to help just one another”. There are many widows associations in America. One of them is “American Widow Project” (americanwidowproject.org), which was formed to provide vital support for American military widows with projects that unify, educate and empower them, as well as assist them to rebuild their lives in the face of tragedy. According to their website, “We do not hold seminars or have speakers, we have each other. The widows come together to enjoy life the way they did when their spouse was still alive. From surfing to ziplining, we are here to enjoy each others company and share some of our fondest memories”.
In other climes where Widows Associations exist, they are formed to support members as they go through the process of bereavement of their loved ones. Anyone who has lost a loved one knows how difficult it is to go through that process, and finding support in one another is desirable to overcome the shock, loneliness, and even depression that may arise. In the western world, organisations abound that offer support for people experiencing similar issues. For example, there exist various cancer support groups, offering support to people who suffer the same kind of cancer. Also, there are retired people support groups, diabetic support groups, disabled support groups, amongst others. These support groups were formed, for nothing other than, for the members to support one another and share their experiences together as well as to encourage one another.
None of these support groups are formed with any political motive in mind, nor do they involve themselves in politics of any sort. The extent of their involvement in politics, if at all, would be to lobby for laws that would positively impact on the welfare of their members. When contrasted with the recent actions of the so-called Imo widows association, it is easy to discern the difference between them both in mission and purpose. From the activities of the so-called Imo Widows Association, of conducting a partisan political rally in the vicinity of the Imo State seat of power, Douglas House, carrying a mock coffin; and their recent involvement in the disturbance at the venue of the aborted Imo State gubernatorial candidate’s debate at Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, leaves no doubt about their purpose and mission. Their involvement in politics undermines the mission and purpose of forming such groups worldwide.
The varied activities of the so-called Imo widows association are as worrying as their involvement in politicking is disgraceful. They either do not understand the gravity of their sacrilegious actions as regards how Ndigbo revere the dead, or they have thrown deference to the winds. Their actions are direct insult and disrespect to their late husbands. Their actions, equally, do not show any respect to the relatives of their late husbands, nor the customs and traditions of Ndigbo.
Furthermore, the alleged involvement of Prof. Viola Onwuliri in the ignoble actions of these women defies logical comprehension. Prof. Viola Onwuliri is said to be a respected academician, who is supposed to be a role model for young women in Igboland in particular. People who have come in contact with her in the past, speak of a humble, well-mannered and respectful woman whose conduct of late is at complete variance with her antecedents and shrouded with mystery. What drives the current trajectory of Prof. Onwuliri? Is it an allegiance to a party or candidate? Has the loss of her husband eroded her sense of self-respect? If the stories making the rounds are true that she is the one behind the actions of the ‘Imo Widows Association’, whatever may be her reason(s), she needs to be told that she is making a tremendous mistake. She is dragging the hard earned good name and respect of her family in the mud, and bringing widows in Imo state to public ridicule. There are more dignified and respectful ways to show support and allegiance to a particular candidate or party than her purported disgraceful actions.
Prof. Viola should realise that she is not the only Igbo woman in the cabinet of the current government. She may do well to borrow a leaf from her contemporaries, and remain above messy partisan politics, especially using vulnerable widows as cover. She will do well to employ some decorum in her affairs.
The good people of Imo State are wise enough and able to choose whom they want to be their governor based on the candidate’s track record of achievement, experience, honesty. The massive support Governor Rochas is enjoying is a testament to his uncommon achievements in the state. The free education Rochas introduced; the provision of school materials for children; the building of over 300 schools; the prompt payment of teachers and pensioners, are unprecedented in the state. These widows, from Imo State are beneficiaries of the free education introduced by Governor Rochas. The burden of paying school fees and catering for the needs of their progenies that are going to school in the state has been ameliorated by the people orientated government of Owelle Rochas.
The infrastructural development in the state and many other achievements of Rochas through the Imo Rescue Mission cannot be obliterated by the campaign of calumny by ‘Imo Widows Association’ and its sponsors. No government in Imo State has empowered women and youths more than the present government of Owelle Rochas. The motives and actions of the so-called ‘Imo Widows Association’ and its sponsors, to portray Owelle as being insensitive to the plight of widows in the state is disgraceful and an effort in futility-to say the least. One thing I am certain of is that “onye ya na chi ya so, ihe na agara ya were were”, meaning that anyone that has the blessing of God, enjoys hitch free achievements. Owelle Rochas from all indications, has the anointing of God, and all the machinations of his detractors will come to nought.
As it has become apparent that the actions of the so-called Imo Widows Association is at cross-purposes with the genuine needs and interests of widows in Imo State; it goes without saying that their actions need to be checked and their leaders called to order. Civil authorities, Religious, Community and traditional rulers should speak out in condemnation of such groups wherever they exist, unless their purpose and mission are found to be genuine. The exploitation of widows by unscrupulous elements in our society for nefarious purposes must end. The unfortunate situation of our beloved widows, and other less privileged in our society should no longer be used as vehicles for politicking. The so-called Imo Widows Association should not be allowed to continue to undermine the sympathy and support due to widows in our state.
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Bruno O Igwe
