Some Female politicians who contested for various offices on different party platforms in the 2023 general elections in Rivers State, are in the spirit of gender equity and inclusion, demanding participation in the governance of the Siminalayi Fubara led administration.
They made their demand through a letter to the governor captioned, ‘Appoint Women That Contested The 2023 Elections’.
The women’s demand jointly signed by the coordinator, 2023 Rivers State Female Electoral Candidates, Hon. Mrs Mercy Joeking and five others, commended the governor for his resilience in carrying out his duties as governor, noting that his victory is for all Rivers people regardless of party affiliation.
They noted that there is a clear absence of women in governance in the state despite their large population which they pointed out as reason for the setback in development and called for 45 per cent representation in decision-making positions.
“The continued under representation of women in governance in Rivers State has been established as the major setback for Her Socio- Economic development because it denies the state the opportunity of drawing on the full range of human resources available for its progress”.
They argued that women bring in some special contributions needed for societal advancement.
Full text of their statement read:
“Your Excellency,
Sir Siminialayi Fubara,
Executive Governor,
Rivers State.
The Members of the 2023 RIVERS STATE FEMALE ELECTORAL CANDIDATES commend your resilience from assumption hitherto. Your victory is for Rivers State irrespective of political affiliations. May your brilliance not be eclipsed by the quest for personal aggrandizement.
Be proactive with feats that encapsulate the yearnings of the masses, regardless of political fury. The task ahead is enormous, but the fact that you have goodwill from across board, should make the task easy and we hope you’ll make Rivers People proud.
The continued under representation of women in governance in Rivers State has been established as the major setback for Her Socio- Economic development because it denies the state the opportunity of drawing on the full range of human resources available for its progress.
We urge you to appoint more women and youths. It shows you’re poised to harness the creativity of women in the state.
We want to see your will to promote women empowerment, appointment of women from all parties for integration and specifically, the brilliant Rivers women that contested the 2023 elections.
With a population of about 7.5million people in Rivers State and a competitive proportionate ratio of about 49.6 per cent male and 49.4 per cent female against an abysmal less than 10 per cent in governance, it’s unfair and clearly an act of injustice. A ploy to exclude women in governance. Women should constitute at least 45 per cent of your government.
Women are adroit with the chemistry of being good managers. Women bring a more holistic peace plan to the negotiation table, by addressing societal issues rather than focusing simply on what makes the warring parties happy.
Appointing women improves health outcomes, accountability, increased economic growth and poverty reduction.
Your Excellency, it’s time to write your name in gold; we want more women in politics!”
Other signatories include, Chief (Dr) Patricia Wudhiga Ogbonnaya, Hon. Mrs Brassba Dawaye Jack, Hon. (Dr). Mrs Helena Orduwa, Hon. Caroline Hart and Hon Janet Awo.
