Iyom Nnenna Obewu Onwuka Denounces Protest Against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Advocates Responsible and Peaceful Politics in Abia

The President of the Abia Women Assembly, Iyom Barr. Nnenna Obewu Onwuka, has condemned the recent protest involving some women and youths from Ohafia, describing it as a sponsored action capable of heightening political tension in Abia State.

In a press statement she personally signed on Friday, Onwuka cautioned against actions that could undermine responsible leadership, moral values, and peaceful political engagement in the state.
Speaking in her roles as President of the Abia Women Assembly, President of the Agunwanyi Odo Foundation, Executive Director of Divine Grace International Montessori School, former Commissioner for Transport in Abia State, and former Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, she said it was necessary to address the issue at a critical time in order to reaffirm societal and moral standards.
She criticised statements allegedly made during the protest, stressing that motherhood should never be linked to hostility or death wishes.
“No responsible mother should publicly or secretly wish death upon another woman’s child under any circumstance,” she said.
“Motherhood represents compassion, protection, and the preservation of life. To publicly or secretly wish someone dead is archaic, barbaric, and entirely unchristlike.”
According to her, such conduct contradicts African values, Christian teachings, and the moral foundations upon which communities are built.
Onwuka also condemned those she alleged sponsored and encouraged the protest, warning that such actions reflect dangerous political desperation capable of destabilising Abia State. She questioned why those allegedly behind the demonstration did not present their own families at the forefront, insisting that responsible leadership requires accountability and sincerity rather than mobilising vulnerable citizens for divisive political purposes.
She called for a return to civility and issue-based politics, emphasising that democratic competition must not degenerate into intimidation, hostility, or incitement.
The Abia Women Assembly president further addressed concerns regarding the political activities of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, noting that political participation is a constitutional right.
She stressed that no one has the authority to prevent Senator Kalu from entering Ohafia or any part of his constituency, describing such suggestions as contrary to democratic principles. According to her, the senator is not stopping anyone from contesting elections or testing their popularity at the polls, adding that politics should remain open, fair, and guided by democratic values rather than misinformation.
She urged political actors and their supporters to avoid acting in ignorance and instead promote peace, understanding, and lawful political engagement.
Reviewing Senator Kalu’s performance, Onwuka said his record compares favourably with that of previous office holders. She highlighted road rehabilitation and infrastructure support across communities, educational assistance and scholarship programmes, youth empowerment and skills acquisition initiatives, social welfare support for vulnerable constituents, and the attraction of federal presence and development projects to Abia North as notable achievements.
She added that Senator Kalu has no history of violence against his people and should not be subjected to politics driven by hostility or incitement.
“Abia State is known for intellect, civility, and peaceful coexistence,” she said, urging those engaging in what she described as dangerous politics to desist immediately.
Onwuka also called on political stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups to prioritise unity, development, and the collective reputation of Abia State above narrow political interests, noting that peaceful politics would help attract investment and promote sustainable development across Abia North and the state at large.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace mature democratic conduct and reject actions capable of bringing dishonour to their communities.
“The future of Abia depends on responsible leadership and dignified political engagement,” she stated.