President marginalising women, says FIDA

WOMEN lawyers are unhappy with President Muhammadu Buhari over what they described as marginalisation of women in his decision making processes.

Speaking under the umbrella of the International Federal of Women Lawyers (FIDA), they called the attention of the President to some international statues which Nigeria is signatory to, and urged him to accord greater respect and responsibility to women.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, National President of FIDA Nigeria, Hauwa Shekarau, called for more commitment towards gender equality in the governance and decision making process in the country.

She noted: “International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has watched with apt interest, the take-off and initial steps of this current administration particularly with respect to appointments into decision making positions in the country, and wish to express her fears and worries over the glaring extreme marginalisation of women in the process. FIDA Nigeria sadly notes that out of the appointments and nominations so far made by President Buhari, only about two percent consideration has been given to the female gender.

“FIDA Nigeria quickly draws the attention of this administration to the provisions of some international instruments that Nigeria is signatory to, for better counsel and direction. Although these instruments may not have been domesticated in Nigeria, they nevertheless stand as binding covenants that the country has acceded to and which it must respect to uphold her integrity and dignity before the comity of nations.”