A’Ibom govt condemns branding of elders as witches

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has condemned the rising phenomenon of branding the elderly in the society as witches.
Governor Udom Emmanuel who criticised the practice by some members of the society, particularly the youths, said it was a ploy to deny the elders the care and welfare they deserve.
“It is disheartening to see some children dub their aged parents as witches. The same parents who took care of them all through their youthful age,” he said.
Speaking on Wednesday in Uyo as the special guest of honour at the 80th birthday thanksgiving and book presentation of Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, expressed displeasure at children and youngsters who have failed to fend for their aged parents.
He wondered why the elderly persons were not branded witches when they were suffering to cater for their children but at their old age when their children should cater for them.
He urged youths and other members of the society to take a cue from the children of Mkpisong Ememobong Essien who have cared for their aged parents and celebrated them.
He congratulated Mkpisong Ememobong Essien on his 80th birthday, describing him as one of the strong pillars behind the birth of Akwa Ibom State and the progenitor of Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly, a group that is championing the cause of the elderly in the society.
The celebrant, Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, expressed joy and appreciation to God for keeping him alive to see his children and grand children, and for the friends and people that turned up to celebrate with him.
Speaking, one of the sons of the celebrant, Mr Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong expressed thanks to God for the life of his father who has been a mentor, evangelist, councillor, psychologist, and disciplinarian to so many people.
He said the strict discipline of his father was responsible for what they have become today and wished him good health and many fruitful years.