Dennis Erezi
The National Chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has canvassed improvement in women’s participation in the governance.
Speaking during the symbolic presentation of fabrics to women traders at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, he argued that women deserve to play more roles in governance given their superior numerical strength in the country.
He decried the “use and dump” mentality of men who rely on women for votes but turned around to appropriate more appointive and elective seats to themselves after the electioneering period.
“We all know that the population of women in Nigeria is more than those of men. When it comes to election, women are more committed despite environmental hazards of cold, rain, sun, and other conditions that they face,” he said.
“But when it comes to sharing success, it is dominated by men. We have to change that narrative to increase women participation in the governance of the country.”
Ganduje who recalled his recent visits Gombe and Lagos states said it is heartwarming that the narrative on women participation in governance is fast changing as more women are not only taking a shot at various seats , but are already occupying local councils chairmanship and councillorship seats in the country.
He applauded the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen Oluremi Tinubu as a welcome development since it is in line with ongoing quest by the APC led administration to ensure financial inclusiveness of women in the country.
Ganduje who called for a fair and equitable distribution of the fabrics to the needy said notwithstanding the challenges posed by culture and religious practices, women would make inroads in the political terrain as their financial positions improve in due course.
Hajia Nana, the Wife of the Vice President, Sen Kashim Shettima, who stood in for the First Lady promised to impact on the wellbeing of women across the 36 states of the Federation.
Accompanied by wives of Ministers, and APC women leaders across the country, she described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration as a gender friendly one in view of the sizeable number of women appointees as Ministers, and heads of Agencies and Parastatals in the country.
