Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
Nigeria Men’s Forum for Ethical Leadership (NMFEL) has condemned the reckless statement by the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Obaseki Betsy, urging her to tender a public apology.
It would be recalled that Betsy, while speaking during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign flag off ahead of the September 21 governorship election, had said only the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has a wife.
Reacting to her statement, NMFEL in a statement by its National President, Emeka Peters said the Forum finds it appalling that a public figure of Mrs. Obaseki’s stature would resort to such a disparaging remark.
The statement reads; “The Nigeria Men’s Forum for Ethical Leadership (NMFEL), under the leadership of its National President, Emeka Peters, strongly condemns the recent reckless and highly insensitive statement made by the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki. In her statement, Mrs. Obaseki claimed that out of all the gubernatorial candidates in Edo State, only the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo, has a wife. She went further to suggest that all Edo women should reject the other candidates on this basis.
“This statement is not only misleading but also an affront to all professional men who, despite the challenges they face daily, continue to work tirelessly to support their families and build a better future for the next generation. The NMFEL finds it appalling that a public figure of Mrs. Obaseki’s stature would resort to such a disparaging remark, which undermines the integrity and dignity of hardworking men across Edo State and beyond.
“The Nigeria Men’s Forum for Ethical Leadership calls on Mrs. Obaseki to immediately retract her statement and issue a public apology. Her comments are an insult to every man striving to provide for his family, regardless of their marital status. It is unacceptable for the First Lady to attempt to trivialize the immense sacrifices and contributions of men who are committed to raising hardworking and ethical generations.
“Mrs. Obaseki’s statement does a great disservice to the values of respect, professionalism, and responsible leadership that she, as the First Lady, should embody. It is imperative that she acknowledges the harm her words have caused and takes immediate steps to restore the respect and trust of the people of Edo State, especially the men who feel deeply slighted by her comments.
“The NMFEL reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of ethical leadership and calls on all leaders, especially those in public office, to conduct themselves with the decorum and respect that their positions demand. The Forum will not hesitate to speak out against any actions or statements that seek to demean or marginalize hardworking Nigerians”.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomole has reacted to the First Lady’s statement, saying she is childless.
