The women of Okrika, Rivers State have summoned the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibirn Semenitari to appear before the elderly mothers of the land above 80 years of age known as ‘Egbele-ereme’ who also commands the highest form of authority within the womenfolks in Okrika within seven days to answer allegations of making unguided statements and an abominable act against the wife of the President and daughter of Okrika, Dame Patience Jonathan during a public function in the area, or face the wrath of the land.
The invitation was given on Friday at market square in Okrika , the traditional headquarters of all Wakirike people when Wakirike-bese women from all Okrika clans carried a traditional protest and cleansing of the land following the said abominable act by Mrs. Semenitari.
The women who came out in their large numbers with placards carrying inscriptions such as “Abandoned during the war, stolen to Opobo, married to Okrika, Eguals who?; Help, our wife has gone mad, you are a disgrace to your husband’s royal blood, your mother is barren, ask her” among others said the summon became necessary because it is an abomination in Okrika land for a woman to abuse her fellow woman of barrenness.
The women said they were shocked and embarrassed when Ibim could descend so low as to say this is my stomach, I have used it to bear 3 children for my husband unlike Mrs. Jonathan.
The leaders of the protesting women, Bertha Adubo, Baby Bulubo among others who spoke one after another expressed anger over the disrespect for a daughter of the soil and first lady of Nigeria by the Rivers State information Commissioner, and said the women of ‘Wakirike-bese’ decided to summon her before the “Egbele ereme” so that she could defend herself.
At the palace of the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, the protesting women were commended for their peaceful disposition and wanting to solve issues traditionally.
Chief Levi Alalibo who spoke on behalf of the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, king E.T.I Obudibo lkwo the x, reminded them of the ban on political gatherings in Okrika saying that the ban is to ensure peace reigns in the area and to avoid break down of law and order.
Highlights of the day was the cleansing of the land by the leader of the ‘Egbele ererne’ of Okrika, Opuerembo Caroline Egberi.
A similar protest was also embarked upqn by market women in Port Harcourt as they marched through some major streets in Port Harcourt metropolis.
Leader of the group, Madam Charity Abonyo said the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari was responsible for the botched APC rally in Okrika as derogatory statements against the first lady, sparked-off the crisis.
The women asked that she be called to order. ####
