The Edo Salvation Group (ESG) has strongly urged Senator Adams Oshiomhole to give a public apology for comments he made that they deemed to be a profound insult to Edo women, particularly to First Lady Mrs. Betty Obaseki, according to a recent report published by The SUN. The group denounced Oshiomhole’s remarks, in which he purportedly called Mrs. Obaseki barren, saying that they go well beyond politics and are an affront to the culture and respect of women in Edo State.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a formal statement issued by the group’s national coordinator, Imman Ekpe, the ESG expressed its dismay at what they termed Oshiomhole’s personal attack on the First Lady. They argued that such insensitive language reflects poorly on the state’s values and traditions, which uphold the modesty and respect of women. The group stressed that the issue at hand transcends political rivalry, highlighting that the derogatory nature of Oshiomhole’s comments was an affront not only to Mrs. Obaseki but to all women in Edo.
The controversy stems from remarks Oshiomhole made during an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally last week. In his address, the former governor allegedly criticized Mrs. Obaseki’s involvement in discussions around marital matters, suggesting that her supposed inability to have children disqualified her from speaking on such issues. These comments have since sparked widespread outrage, with many viewing them as a deliberate attack on her personal life and an unnecessary deviation from political discourse.
In their statement, the ESG pointed out that this was not the first instance in which Oshiomhole had insulted Edo women in public forums. The group recalled a highly publicized incident during his tenure as governor, when Oshiomhole harshly scolded a widowed street vendor, telling her to “go and die” for contravening local public order regulations. The incident, they said, left a lasting scar on the collective memory of Edo women, as it exemplified the former governor’s harsh and unsympathetic treatment of women in vulnerable situations.
“We have reason to believe that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole harbors an animosity towards Edo women,” the statement read. “This is evident from his repeated derogatory remarks and actions. It is not only disrespectful to single out a woman’s personal life as a point of attack, but it is also an insult to the very fabric of decency and cultural respect that our state holds dear.”
The ESG further emphasized that they refrained from delving into other controversial aspects of Oshiomhole’s personal life, but mentioned the longstanding rumors regarding his relationship with his late wife, Clara Oshiomhole, who they noted continues to be held in high esteem by many in the state. They also referenced his decision to marry a second wife from outside Nigeria, bypassing numerous Edo women of virtue and strength. According to the group, this decision has long been a subject of quiet disapproval among many in Edo State, as it reflects his perceived detachment from the women of his own cultural heritage.
The Group added: “We do not want to talk of the issues between him and his late wife, Clara who we continue to revere.”
However, the group made it clear that their immediate concern was Oshiomhole’s attack on the First Lady’s character and her condition, which they described as “senseless” and an extreme example of dirty politics. “Mocking the First Lady, Mrs. Obaseki, on a matter so deeply personal goes beyond the boundaries of decency and political rivalry. It is a vile and unwarranted intrusion into her private life,” the group stated. “We believe that Senator Oshiomhole has crossed a line that should never be crossed, especially in the heat of political campaigns.”
The Edo Salvation Group concluded by urging Oshiomhole to issue an unreserved apology not only to Mrs. Obaseki but to all women in Edo State. They argued that his comments have damaged the public’s perception of his character and set a bad precedent for political discourse in the state. “An apology is necessary to begin healing the wounds caused by such crass denigration. We demand that Oshiomhole not only retract his statements but also acknowledge the harm he has done to the esteem and dignity of Edo women.”
With tensions running high in the political landscape, the ESG’s call for accountability reflects a broader sentiment among citizens who believe that the politics of personal attacks should have no place in the state’s political sphere. The group’s statement serves as a reminder that leaders must exercise caution and responsibility in their public remarks, especially when it involves the deeply personal lives of others.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
