Female politicians from the North-East zone have called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to engender a greater sense of equity and fairness through political appointments for women in the geopolitical zone.
Acting under the aegis of the North-East Women In Politics Forum (NEWiPF), they said such appointments would deepen democratic values and foster a sense of belonging among all stakeholders.
The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the members of the group to the APC deputy national chairman (North), Honourable (Dr) Ali Bukar Dalori, at the national headquarters of the party.
According to a statement Issued by Dalori’s Special Adviser (Media & Strategy), Honourable Yemi Akinbode, the NEWiPF coordinator, Mrs Comfort Ibrahim used the occasion to congratulate Dalori on his appointment as the new deputy national chairman (North) of the APC.
She said: “We have come to the APC National Secretariat for the first time to felicitate with you on your recent appointment as the DNC- North. Today is the first time most of us are visiting this office. We are happy to notice that as a grassroots politician, you run an open-door policy, where everyone and all are welcome to interface with you, regardless of class or status, religion or ethnicity. We pray for your success in everything you do.”
Ibrahim also expressed the gratitude of the group to Dalori for the good work he is doing in ensuring the empowerment of women and youths in the North in particular and Nigeria in general.
“On behalf of NEWiPF, I also want to thank you for the great work you are doing in ensuring the rights and interest of women and youths in the North-East are fostered and promoted.
“We have heard the news of the good work you are doing in the party within a short period of time. Most of us that are familiar with your background and antecedents are not surprised by your performance.
“These are the qualities that distinguished you when you were APC chairman in Borno State for nine years. We urge you to continue to do what you are doing in the interest of Nigerian women and youths,” she stated.
On the litigation on the Adamawa governorship election, which is currently at the Appeal Court, the Group Coordinator pleads with the National Working Committee (NWC) to see that it gives the needed support to Hajia Binani who, according to her, the opposition wants to rob of the opportunity for Nigerian women to have a sitting governor in Nigeria.
She added that it is the hope of the group that Hajia Binani would win her appeal over the governorship seat.
In his response at the event, Dalori thanked the leadership of the group and some of its members for finding time to visit him.
He said: “I want to appreciate your sense of moral reasoning and understanding of the political dynamics of the northeast. It gladdens my heart that women in the North have realised that education, including political leadership participation is no longer the exclusive preserve of the men.
“The women’s role in family and national development can no longer be overlooked, if we want happiness and prosperity in the family. So, I am happy that our women have risen to the challenge.
“On our part, we would do all that is humanly possible to ensure gender empowerment and prosperity in our nation.
“We will continue to support our women who have the leadership that is required to reposition our nation.
On the Adamawa governorship election before the Appeal court, Dalori said: “Just this morning a select member of the NWC including myself, the National Secretary and the Deputy National Women leader were at the Appeal Court as a mark of our commitment and desire to see that justice is served in the Adamawa Governorship tussle. We hope that the APC candidate, Hajia Binani will triumph at the end.”
Other members of the group who were present at the meeting include: Hasuja Hammanijo (Adamawa), Amina Abubakar (Bauchi), Mrs. Joy Fiva (Bauchi), Queen Moany Afwai (Taraba), Esther Musa(Gombe), Amina Yakubu(Taraba), among others.
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