Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule told The Nation yesterday that the government would rehabilitate the family.
Uche, a Lagos factory worker, 39, fled home when he learnt that his expectant wife was carrying a set of twins – the family’s third.
In 2009 when Mrs Ruth Uche first conceived, she was delivered of two girls – Goodness and Godnews. The second conception, two years later, produced another two – a boy and a girl, named John and Joyce.
The third set of twins arrived last month. They were named Daniel and Daniella.
Mrs Uche, 34 said she could no longer cope with the widening needs for food, clothes, drugs and school fees.
Her meagre earnings as a teacher in a private school in Lagos can no longer meet their needs.
Mrs Uche explained that her husband has since refused to pick her calls. She learnt that he stays in Ikorodu.
“Since I gave birth to the children, I have tried calling my husband but he would not pick once he knows that it is me. I contacted his mother and other relatives to tell them that he has run away. They promised that they will call back. Since then, none of them has called me. It is not easy for me at all.
“I don’t want to leave the children and run away. This is why I want government to help us,” she said.
Dr Adebule enjoined Uche to come out of hiding, saying the children are blessings from God.
“It is even an emotional stress for the mother, an emotional stress to the children and entire family,” she said.
On the plans to assist Mrs Uche, Dr Adebule promised to visit the nursing mother today.
“We have contacted her, I have spoken to her and a delegation from the government has gone to see her; they inquired about the health of the children and the general welfarism. I hope to see her by the grace of God tomorrow (today). Lagos State is working to rehabilitate her and assist the family to fend for themselves.
“We intend to give her monthly allowance to take care of the children. We are imploring him (Mr Uche) to come home to meet his family and take up his responsibility,” she said.
Mrs Adebule enjoined other men in similar situation not to run away, but to seek help.
“They should not run away from their responsibilities; they actually bring these children to this world. They should be responsible for them. Running away is not the solution; they should rather stay, seek for help and be prayerful. They should not add salt to the injury by running away,” she said.
…Lagos speaker lifts family
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has donated food items, beverages and cash to Mrs Ruth Uche whose husband Emeka Benjamin Uche disappeared from home on learning they were expecting their third set of twins.
Describing children as gifts from God, Obasa told Mrs Uche to always give thanks to God in whatever situation she found herself.
Obasa said: “We came to congratulate you on the successful delivery of these beautiful gifts from God and to assure you that you will not suffer in bringing up these children. We must continue to thank God for everything. It was through the mercy of God that you delivered these twins through normal delivery after going through Caesarian routes in your previous deliveries.
“Apart from being the Speaker, I am also your representative in the Assembly as this area falls within the jurisdiction of my constituency so this visit is part of my duty as your representative in the Assembly.”
The speaker urged Mrs Uche and others to always make use of the health facilities provided by the state as they were built for them.
“The state government spent huge sums of money to put in place these facilities and they are free, so make use of them. For people like you (Mrs Uche), there are enough experts and professionals to advise you on family planning and other health issues,” he said.
Mrs Uche thanked the Speaker, saying: “I’m overwhelmed with joy at this visit and I pray to God to always be with you and continue to bless you.”
Also yesterday, former Itire Ikare Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Hakeem Bamgbola hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for directing his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, to take over the welfare of Mrs Uche and her children.
Bamgbola said Ambode’s gesture was in fulfilment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifestoes.
APC, he said, is out to cater for the welfare of the citizenry irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliations.
“I am particularly happy that Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Hon Mudashiru Obasa has visited the Mrs Uche and her kids. It is a step in the right direction. That is why Lagos has continued to be the state of example for others to emulate,” he said.
