I Never Said The Girls Were Not Kidnapped! Kema Chikwe Clears The Air

The National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, Kema Chikwe, has said her statements about the abducted 234 girls were
misunderstood. She released a statement this morning which is contrary to
her alleged former statement where she doubted if the girls were really
kidnapped.

All Progressives Congress, APC who felt disturbed by the
alleged statement said Ms Chikwe’s statement plumbed the depths of absurdity
and insensitivity.

Find the statement after the cut.

My Official Position On The PDP Women’s Prayer Session –
Kema Chikwe

My attention has been drawn to reports in some section of the
media regarding my speech at the occasion of PDP Women’s Prayer Session
organised on Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 to among others things, seek divine
intervention for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. As a mother, I
have remained heartbroken and deeply pained by the unfortunate incident. My
heart and thoughts have continued to go out to these girls and their families,
hence my decision to mobilise other women to pray for them. 

Our prayer points
included prayers for security in Nigeria, prayers for the quick recovery of the
victims of the Nyanya bomb blast and consolation prayers for families of the
dead, prayers for the release of the abducted Chibok school girls in Borno
State, prayers for all terrorist victims in Nigeria, and prayers for Nigerian
Women and Children amongst other prayer points. Christian and Muslim religious
leaders led these prayers.

However, it has come to my attention that part of my speech
at the prayer session especially the questions I raised concerning the
circumstances surrounding the abduction of these innocent girls was largely
misunderstood.

Indeed with every sense of responsibility, I wish to
reiterate that this is not the time to sensationalize issues particularly those
relating to these innocent girls whose fate we are all deeply worried about.

In this regard, we all must ensure that we are not
distracted in anyway whatsoever but collectively focus our energies towards
actions that will accelerate the rescue and safe return of these girls to their
families, a cause for which I and the PDP family will continue in prayers.

I therefore appeal to all Nigerians, especially the women
not to relent but continue to pray along with me especially as we have been
reassured that the Government and the security agencies are doing their best to
ensure the rescue of our daughters.

Signed:

Amb. Dr. Kema Chikwe

PDP National Woman Leader.