The Managing Director of Women Radio (WFM) 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2019 general elections are devoid of violence against women and also allow women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for.
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Okewale made the call during a visit to the INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta, Ogun State as part of her advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure that the elections are peaceful and non violent in order to increase women’s participation in politics.
The Managing Director of Nigeria’s only women radio station said the station will track incidences of electoral violence against women in the elections, adding that Women Radio 91.7 with the support from UN Women will continue in the advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in the elections and to canvass for increase in women leadership and political empowerment.
In her response, the Head of Department, Voters education and publicity, gender and Civil Society Organisation, Adenike Tadese said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel,, adding that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasised that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections and will ensure that the voting processes are duly followed in an enabling environment for all to vote. He said women will not be disenfranchised and urged every stakeholder including the media to work together with INEC to avoid violence during election.
Other INEC officials present at the events included; Mrs Omolara Onabanjo; Voters Education & Gender Desk Officer, Mr Samuel Ogunjemilua; HOD Electoral Operations, Alhaji Abayomi Onisarutu; Electoral officer Ado Odo Ota LGA/Representing all electoral officers in Ogun State, Omole Folasade; Public Affairs Officer, Mr Olayiwola Oyeniyi; HOD Finance & Accounts and Mr Lawrence Aladetoyinbo; HOD Voter registry/ICT
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