By Williams Odunze
The Imo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu has intervened to save a widow who was being maltreated by one Chinagorom Ukaegbu via a video that has gone viral on Social Media.
The commissioner insisted that the state government is determined to prosecute the suspect to ensure justice for the widow .
She made the statement while addressing Journalists in her office at State Secretariat in Owerri, Imo state capital, yesterday .
The Commissioner said that the Ministry was moved by the video on Social Media and decided to take the matter upon it self to ensure that the perpetrator faces the law.
She informed that the incident attracted the attention of the Imo First Lady,Barr.Chioma Uzodinma who mandated the Ministry to ensure that the matter sees the light of the day.
“When the Governor’s wife,Barr.Chioma Uzodinma saw the video, she asked the Ministry to find the facts behind the matter. when I, together with my team, visited Umuawada in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area,Imo State,it was discovered that the case which happened in August, last year was not properly dispensed with”, she said.
The Commissioner, further explained that upon investigation,it was learnt that the man in question was arrested by the police following the incident but was later released without proper arraignment after six weeks in police custody. According to her , after his release he went back and started threatening the widow and her son which prompted his re-arrest for proper judicial process to be followed.
“We understand that the case of victimization, attempted murder, beating and psychological trauma did not go through the proper judicial process, the government insisted that the right process will be followed”,she said.
She informed that the ministry is not resting on its oars in addressing the issue of Gender based violence,rape, harmful widowhood practices and intimidation of the weak folks, maintaining that the ministry is not only focusing on women alone but also out to protect every gender whenever issue of domestic violence arises.
Lady Ugwu insisted that the ministry will use the case of Ukaegbu to set an example to others intending to perpetrate similar act to achieve violent free society as she assured that the case must be followed to its logical conclusion to ensure justice.
She commended the Imo First Lady for her swift response in the matter and also appreciated the effort of the Media,Police and other relevant agencies for their cooperation in re arresting the man.
Lending her voice, the person in charge of legal matters in the ministry,Barr.Mrs.Mirian Ogbu said that the case is coming up on July 17 at Ahiazu Mbaise Magistrate Court maintaining that the Ministry is legally prepared in pursuing the matter to its end.
Speaking,the Permanent Secretary , Mr.Godson Okeoma stated that the Commissioner is very passionate in running the affairs of the Ministry and will never leave any stone unturned in making sure that the proper thing is done.
He thanked the Media for giving positive view on the activities of the Ministry assuring that they will continue to partner with them.
