Senator Adams Oshiomhole, with due respect, it is expedient to remind you that in a world where empathy should guide human interactions that it is heartbreaking to see you weaponize the struggles of Edo State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, especially as it concerns something that is strictly personal and painful as childlessness to her. In fact, reminding her of her inability to bear children, or using it as a point of ridicule or judgment is not just insensitive, it is emotional abuse. More so, it is an act that goes against the very essence of kindness, compassion and virtues that God expects of His children.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Your Excellency, it is both unbecoming for you to mock Betsy Obaseki over an issue that was likely shared with you in confidence during better times between you and her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki. Sir, the reason for the foregoing conjecture cannot be farfetched as there is the likelihood that when you and her husband were in rosy friendship that there might be an implicit trust that warranted sensitive matters to often be discussed with the expectation that they will not be weaponized later.
Sir, disappointingly, your decision to now use such information for public ridicule reflects poorly on your maturity and sense of discretion, especially considering your role as an elder statesman and your former role as political godfather to her husband.
Sir, your actions undermine the very essence of integrity, in personal and political relationships. What was once a cordial bond between your very self and the Obasekis is now tarnished by petty mockery, showcasing a level of vindictiveness that is unbecoming of you as a leader. Rather than stooping to such juvenile behavior, you could have taken the high road, focusing on political discourse and leaving personal matters aside. By laughing at Betsy Obaseki, you have no doubt exposed a personal rift that does not belong in the public arena, and in doing so, you have diminished your own stature, and not the collective stature of the Obasekis as you might have intended.
It is expedient to confess at this juncture that the vituperation, “childless woman”, which constitutes the words you choose in denigrating the person of the wife of the governor, is starkly unbecoming. Your Excellency, such a statement, coming from a personality of your caliber in the public eye, only underscores the ongoing emotional abuse that many women face regarding their fertility.
Your remark is not only cruel but also deeply inappropriate, as it brings to light the societal pressure and judgment placed on women who are unable to conceive.
Unarguably, the governor’s wife plight, which ought to be personal, was taken out of context by you. At such a public forum, there is no denying the fact that you politicized and misconstrued her plight which is between her and God. Unfortunately, despite your resolve to make her cry, I have doffed my heart for her because she is not crying as you expected her to do. Rather, she has been open with the media, clarifying that she is not barren. She has explained that her struggles with miscarriages and subsequent medical evacuations are personal experiences, and they do not define her worth or capability.
By framing her situation as barrenness, you have not only disrespected her but also contributed to harmful stigmas surrounding women facing fertility challenges. In fact, her candidness on this sensitive issue deserves understanding and empathy, rather than being misrepresented or exploited for political gain. Her strength in sharing her story reflects her resilience, and it calls for a more compassionate approach to such personal matters in the public discourse.
Without sounding sanctimonious in this context, your Excellency, let me remind you that God’s Word makes it clear that He does not condone the emotional or spiritual torment of those enduring life’s hardships. The Bible is replete with instances of childless women who were loved, supported, and blessed by God. These stories offer a powerful reminder that God is fully aware of the struggles faced by such women, and He expects those around them to offer support, not torment.
In a similar vein, it is germane I remind you in this context of another story, and this concerns “Hannah” in the Bible, the mother of Samuel. In the story, we see a woman who was constantly taunted by her rival, Peninnah, due to her inability to conceive. Despite her heartbreak, Hannah took her pain to God in prayer, and in His mercy, He blessed her with a son. In 1 Samuel 1:6, we are told how “her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.” Peninnah’s behavior serves as an example of emotional cruelty, and yet, God listened to Hannah’s cries and rewarded her faith. Peninnah’s mockery only drew God’s disapproval, while Hannah’s endurance was met with divine favor.
Another example is Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who was childless for many years. Even though she experienced ridicule, particularly from her servant Hagar, God fulfilled His promise to her by blessing her with Isaac in her old age. In Genesis 21:1-2, the Bible tells us that “the Lord was gracious to Sarah,” reminding us that God’s plans are often different from man’s and His timing is perfect.
Rachelis another significant figure in the Bible, who also struggled with childlessness. In her frustration, she cried out to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” (Genesis 30:1). Yet, in God’s perfect time, He “remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive” (Genesis 30:22). Here again, we see that God not only acknowledges the plight of childless women but intervenes to turn their sorrow into joy.
In all these instances, it is clear that those who scorn or torment childless women stand against God’s will. He is a God of compassion and love, and His actions toward Hannah, Sarah, and Rachel show that He disapproves of any form of emotional abuse directed at the vulnerable.
When we mock or reminds someone of his or her plight, be it childlessness or any other hardship, we act in defiance of God’s teachings on love, patience, and kindness. The emotional scars caused by such remarks can last a lifetime. It is essential to understand that emotional abuse is not limited to physical harm, words, too, can wound deeply.
Ephesians 4:29 tells us to “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” This verse is a clear instruction on how we should speak to others: our words should lift, not tear down. When we remind a childless woman of her plight, we cause unnecessary grief and mental torment, and that is an offense to God.
Without a doubt, your insulting comments highlight the broader issue in society, where many women are judged based on their ability to bear children. Such remarks are not only hurtful but also reflect a lack of understanding and compassion. We must remember that fertility and childbearing are deeply personal matters, and it is no one’s place to mock or judge a woman’s situation. Those who engage in such behavior must recognize the gravity of their actions, as they are causing harm not only to the individual but also offending God.
Your Excellency, it is germane to remind you in this context that God’s Word calls us to be a source of comfort to one another, not a source of pain. In Romans 12:15, we are instructed to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” This verse encourages us to share in each other’s joys and sorrows with empathy. Rather than mock someone for their misfortunes, we should offer them love and support, recognizing that life’s challenges are often beyond our understanding or control.
Sir, it is high time society stopped measuring a woman’s worth by her ability to bear children. Every person has his or her unique struggles, and it is no one’s place to remind anyone of the pain he or she is struggling with. Therefore, your comments on Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness are a reflection of a deeper societal problem that needs urgent redress. This is as God, who sees all, is displeased when His children engage in emotional abuse, especially on issues that can only be resolved by Him.
In fact, in a world that often lacks compassion, we must strive to follow Christ’s example of love, kindness, and understanding. Let us speak life into others, offering words of encouragement and hope rather than judgment and pain. After all, it is only by lifting others up that we ourselves can grow in grace. May we all learn to be more like Christ in our interactions, always remembering that God frowns upon those who inflict emotional harm on others.
