Yenagoa—Bayelsa State government has said it would work to end unfriendly traditional and customary practices that inhibit the burial of married females in some communities in the state.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor to have given the hint on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the Yenagoa residence of his Technical Adviser on Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba, who lost his wife.
Diri said his administration would consider legislation to end practices that forbid women from being buried in some communities.
While he expressed concern over the practice, saying it was unfair to the female gender, Diri assured that his administration will work with the state House of Assembly to provide a legal framework to end discriminatory practices against women.
The Bayelsa helmsman further directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing and his Works and Infrastructure counterpart to liaise with leaders of Amassoma community to get a suitable location for the construction of a cemetery.
He described the deceased as a very caring woman, who left a worthy legacy, stressing that those who mourn should be consoled by her legacies.
His words: “I know what it means to lose a loved one, especially a wife. Chief Naingba, let me on behalf of your government and the people of the state express my sincere condolences.
“All of us, at any point in time, will answer the call of death. We accept that reality. We pray that the almighty God will grant you the fortitude to bear this loss.
“God made it so and we accept our fate. Whatever happens to one of us happens to all of us. We came today to encourage and pray with you. But let the reality be on all of us that no matter who we are, we can die at any point in time. We are consoled that she has led a good life.”
