A Grateful Acknowledgment to Governor Hope Uzodimma for His Swift Intervention in a Barbaric Widowhood Ordeal

By Rev. Fr. Benedict C. C. Amuchie

The recent directive by His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to investigate the degrading and inhumane treatment of a young widow in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area of the State has once again reaffirmed his deep commitment to justice, human dignity, and the protection of the vulnerable in our society.

According to disturbing reports, Mrs. Chika Ndubisi, a grieving widow, was subjected to a shocking and barbaric ordeal allegedly orchestrated by some members of her late husband’s family. In an attempt to prove her innocence in the death of her husband, Mr. Odinaka Ndubisi, she was reportedly locked inside an ambulance with his corpse and forced to drink the water used to bathe the body; an act that is not only cruel but utterly dehumanizing.

It was gathered that the late Mr. Ndubisi had been diagnosed with Hepatitis B, a condition that later affected his kidneys and required regular dialysis. Sadly, while undergoing treatment, some of his elder sisters, driven by superstition and ignorance, allegedly took him from the hospital to a native doctor, convinced that his ailment had spiritual causes. Unfortunately, he died in the process. Shockingly, these same sisters turned around to accuse his innocent wife of killing him and subjected her to the most humiliating and torturous test imaginable.

Governor Uzodimma, upon hearing of this heartbreaking incident, condemned it in the strongest terms, describing the act as barbaric, cruel, and unacceptable in any civilized society. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the matter and assured that anyone found guilty would face the full weight of the law.

This decisive action by the Governor deserves commendation. In a time when harmful traditional practices still thrive under the guise of culture, it takes courage and moral leadership to stand up for justice and humanity. Governor Uzodimma’s response is not only a defense of one woman’s dignity but also a strong message that Imo State will not tolerate cruelty, ignorance, or abuse disguised as tradition.

As a priest and a patriotic citizen, I deeply appreciate the Governor’s humane intervention. His empathy and promptness in addressing this issue give hope to the voiceless and restore confidence in the rule of law. It is through such leadership that a society is truly built on justice, compassion, and respect for human life.

May this incident serve as a wake-up call for all, to abandon primitive practices that degrade human dignity, and to embrace enlightenment, compassion, and justice. Once again, I thank Governor Hope Uzodimma for his fatherly concern, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable in Imo State.

Shalom!

Rev. Fr. Ben Amuchie is a Clergy, Lecturer, Prolific Writer and Public Affairs Analyst whose works focus on faith, governance, education and the moral conscience of the nation.