Join politics for better Nigeria, Ebonyi commissioner tells women

The Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring in Ebonyi State, Ann Aligwe has tasked women to come out and participate in active politics to end the present economic hardship facing the country.

In the same vein, the team leader of Better Health for Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) Dr. Nkechinyere Echiegu reiterated that Ebonyi created 28 years ago has come to light in addressing the challenges facing women and the girl child.

Echiegu stated include the rights of women, rape and violence including gender equality

The duo spoke in a separate interview with Tribune Newspaper during the celebration of Nigeria 68th anniversary and 28 creation of Ebonyi State.

The event celebrated in a low-key was held at the office of the governor, Francis Nwifuru at centenary city Abakaliki, the state capital.

According to Aligwe, women have the quality of good leadership that will return peace and economic development in the country.

“But they are very afraid to compete with the men in the field of politics today and this is why I’m using the opportunity to urge my fellow women to come out and be positive in this democratic dispensation.

“The men cannot do it alone without us (women) so everyone is needed for the growth of our country. I encourage women to always have respect for their husbands despite the position they are occupying like the wife of our Governor Chief Mary-Maudaline Uzoamaka Nwifuru,” Aligwe said.

Also, the team leader of BERWO who further called on Ebonyi women to report incident of violence against the girl child to the office of the governor’s wife, assured that the office is charged with the responsibilities of protecting the rights of women and girl child.

Her words: “Ebonyi was released from the pit to palace since it creation 28 years ago by late General Sani Abacha and that is why we stand here today to celebrate not only as a state but women in continual progress of our achievements in the areas of violence against women.

“Today we have positioned and recorded tremendous progress in addressing these rights of women and the girl child in Ebonyi including rape and gender based violence.

“And we are still doing more and I what to use this opportunity also to call not only the women but everyone to feel free and report any case of gender violence against the girl child or women to the office of her Excellency.”

She, however, commended Governor Nwifuru for appointing more women in his administration which according to them, has brought numerous of achievements including peace in the state since its creation.

“When we started politics as women, it was next to nothing but with time, we kept growing but in the last one year, I can categorically state that it is awesome.

“If care is not taking, a woman can become the next governor of the state. Is not a threat, is something I know may happen one day.

“And I thanked the governor of this state he so gender friendly, he gives women the opportunity to be themselves and use their potentials and behind every successful man is a very lovely wife that respect her husband so much.

“We thank him so much for all the opportunities he is giving to us and we promise him that we will never disappoint him because all the places women are heading, you can see they are all doing well. Women participation in politics in this era is 100 per cent.

“I encourage every woman shying away from politics to cue in so far you can run your home. Give it a trial to avoid wrong person taking over,” Echiegu said.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

UPDATED: We’ll pay N70,000 minimum wage, Makinde assures Oyo teachers