Womens Economic Rights> Bill Against Widow's rites

["ardafolk" <ardafolk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

We join our voices to commend the Houses of Assembly of Enugu and Edo states for the bold step in outlawing the wicked treatment of widows.  We encourage the Governor of Edo state to ignore the veiled threat and blackmail of the so-called protectors of our culture and do the right thing and sign the bill into law.  We assure him the sky will not fall.  Those who think that evil only resides in women folk, will see that the anarchy that they are foretelling if the widow's rites are abbrogated, will not occur.  After all, how many men are forced to swear over the corpses of their deceased wives that they did not kill them?  Is it unthinkable that a husband exists in these traditional societies who may be equally inclined to do the "diabolical" on his wife?  Why are men not made to under go rites when they are widowed?  Why is it only once-male spirits that need assuaging?

How many women does the Obazola, Chief Amure know who have wickedly done away with their husbands, really?  This has nothing to do with the "Whiteman".  It has to do with wickedness conceived and nurtured by men in our societies...why blame the whiteman when the receipients of injustice finally get sick of it and speak clearly...ENOUGH!  Members of the House of Assembly (mostly male) who supported this bill are the real symbols of truth and justice, they are the ones who are the representatives of their people, not some anachronistic title holders, looking out for themselves and seeking relevance.

Houses of Assembly and Governors should understand that they were elected to represent the best interest of all their people, not just the male segment.  If they ignore the yearnings and problems of women, they'll be back to ask for votes and women who are a formidable number will show through the ballot that we know our friends.  Time for sentimental and free endorsement is coming to an end.  As one female American poet (Janet Jackson) puts it, "What have you done for me lately?" women will ask incumbent representatives before parting with their votes.