The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has issued a challenge to Senator Uche Ekwunife, urging both of them to take an oath of fidelity before the Blessed Virgin Mary and to subject their children to paternity tests.
The challenge follows claims by Ekwunife, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that Mrs Soludo was close to and worked with former governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
In a statement released on Friday, Mrs Soludo accused the senator of fabricating allegations and dragging her children into political disputes.
She described Ekwunife’s conduct as malicious and warned that legal action would follow unless the lawmaker withdrew her claims and issued an apology within 72 hours.
Mrs Soludo said a public oath would help settle questions of character once and for all.
“Since Uche Ekwunife claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her for both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament and the Bible.
“I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear (with your children or your political ambitions) that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband,” she said.
The governor’s wife also further said: “I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests in three reputable hospitals in London. I will pay all the expenses, including travel for you and your family.”
She added that if the results confirmed that Ekwunife’s husband fathered all her children, she would not only congratulate her but also present a cash award.
Describing herself as a quiet family woman, Mrs Soludo stressed her Christian and conservative upbringing.
“I married him as a virgin, and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad,” she asserted.
She further noted that she had never worked for the government nor depended on public funds, even as First Lady of Anambra State.
Vowing to sustain her defence with dignity, Mrs Soludo likened the clash with Senator Ekwunife to a long-distance race.
“My weapons are decency, character, and grace. I am a long-distance runner, and I welcome you to the marathon,” she said.
The confrontation between the two women traces back to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s questions over Senator Ekwunife’s academic qualifications.
The senator responded with sharp criticisms, prompting the governor’s wife to step into the fray.
