The candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), in the November 6 Anambra state gubernatorial election, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, on Wednesday, broke down in tears as a hungry nursing mother, Amarachi Nwachukwu collapsed in front of him at a function in Okpoko, in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, while hawking sachet water in the area.
It was gathered that Okonkwo who wept while rushing to resuscitate the victim was seen cleaning his face of tears with a white handkerchief.
Amarachi, a “pure water” seller after being resuscitated and fed was given N200,000 by the candidate on the spot to begin any business of her choice to enable her fend for herself and baby.
News Echo gathered that Okonkwo was at Okpoko, a slum near Onitsha, to flag off a road he awarded for rehabilitation.
Nwachukwu who spoke to Journalists, shortly after the incident, fell on a muddy road, with her baby, as the candidate arrived the market, spilling the satchet water on his head, before she was rushed into a nearby shop.
She however told Okonkwo who insisted on seeing her that she had not eaten for two days, her last meal being garri, which she said she drank without sugar on Monday night (two days ago).
“I don’t have a husband, I am not sick. I’m only weak because I have not eaten for two days. I only used the N200 given to me by someone to buy pure water to hawk, so I can get money to feed myself and my baby, she stated.
It was however tears of joy for her, as Okonkwo who rescued her bought her food and also announced the sum of N200,000 for her to begin any small business of her choice.
The money was given to a Reverend Father in charge of parish in the area to keep for the victim at the most appropriate time to avoid hoodlums on the occasion from tampering with it.