As Mrs Bello Seeks end to Violence Against Women
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Amidst tears and sorrow, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Women leader, Hon Salome Abuh who was burnt alive at Ochadamu community during the last governorship election in Kogi State has been laid to rest in her village, Aji-Obala in Ofu local government area
The officiating Minister, Rev. John Adino of the United Evangelical Church, Idah headquarters, enjoined Christians to give their lives to Jesus Christ , saying death can come at any time, stressing that how people died does not matter , but it is always good for people to die in the course of the Lord.
Reading from book of Revelation chapter 14 verse 13, the clergyman revealed that whether human being like it or not judgment day is awaiting every mortal , noting that day no lawyer will defend or stand for any one except the good things people do while on earth.
He lamented that politicians and political leaders have lost focus in providing basic social amenities for the downtrodden to better their lives , rather they continue to acquired wealth to belong to the people.
The Clergyman urged them to bear in mind that one day they will account for their deeds before God
In his tribute, the husband of the deceased, Elder Simeon Abuh said that the late Salome Abuh has paid a supreme price for Igala land through politics, describing her as a martyr whose political sagacity will remain fresh in the mind of her political associates.
He called on the federal government to ensure that the perpetrator of the heinous act are arrested and brought to book.
The candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the last Kogi Governorship election, Engineer Musa Wada in his remark, said Mrs Salome Abuh died for Kogi state and Igala nation, noting that they set out to emancipate the people of the state from the hands of oppressors.
He said that no retreat no surrender in the quest to emancipate the people of the state , saying no amount of intimidation and harassment can hindered them from claiming the stolen mandate, wondered how few elements in Igala land will join hands with the oppressors to suffer the people of the state.
“I am not going to relent a little bit , I will pursue this gruesome and senseless killing of Mrs Abuh.
” Whenever I think of the circumstances of her death I wondered who will ever wish that for his enemy but the unfortunate thing is that the killing was perpetrated by the children of Igala nation who joined hands with the oppressors to kill members of the opposition parties.
“Regardless of their intimidation and oppression, we will reclaim our stolen mandate because they were just keeping it temporary, I assured you that the emancipation is good very soon” he said.
Mrs Margaret Omoniyi the State PDP woman leader described the late Salome as a lively person who can turn negative things to positive because of her commitment and versatility in politics.
She urged the children of the deceased to emulate the foot steps of their mother in order to continue her good legacies.
Also speaking, the only son of the deceased David Abuh described their mother as a lover of people who has invested much in assisting the needy ones in the society.
He called on the federal government to ensure that justice is done over the killing of their mother.
Meanwhile, the Wife of Kogi State Governor, Mrs Rashida Bello has stressed the need for people to put in more efforts towards elimination of violence against women and girls in the society.
She stated this during a programme organised to mark this year International Day For Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls in Lokoja over the weekend.
The programme which is centered on grassroots effort to raise awareness tagged “Orange the World” was to create a sweet and peace environment for Women and Girls to harness their God given potentials.
The governor’s wife noted that violence against women and girls are on alarming increase saying that the people must stand together in homes and communities to challenge discriminations and impunity against women and girls.
Mrs Rashida Bello who called on men to stop the violence against women and girls, urged the victims to break the silence and speak out so that the perpetrators of the crime can be brought to justice.
She called on security agencies and other stakeholders in the struggle to eliminate violence against women and girls to live up to their responsibilities in order for the victims of the crimes to obtain justice on time.
High points of the campaign was the No Tolerance Walk Against Rape and Sexual Violence led by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Rashida Bello in Lokoja.
