Politics
‘Clinton, May’s Emergence, Good For Nigerian Women’
A women’s rights,
Barrister Debora Effiong has described the emergence of Mrs Hilary Clinton as presumptive presidential candidate of the Democratic Party in the United States and assumption of office of Theresa May as British Prime Minister as a huge boost to the activities of women’s rights movement in Nigeria.
Effiong made the assertion in an interview with The Tide in her office in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Describing the development as a welcome one that has global, continental and national impact, the gender rights activist said that the events do not only lend credence to their work but also avail them with worthy global examples that they could readily draw from in Nigeria.
“It speaks volumes to our work. It lends credence to what we’re doing because we’ve been trying to see how we can get those global examples which we can bring home here in Nigeria”, she said, adding that, “The question is if it’s in the UK, why not Nigeria? If it’s in the US, why not Nigeria?”
Effiong who is also the Executive Director, Arise for Gender and Livelihood Initiative (ALIVE), a non-governmental organisation averred that there may be a global paradigm shitf orchestrated by God to bring about a new order, adding that this may be a divine response to the clamour, advocacy and prayers of the activists over the years.
“We have several instruments guaranteeing women’s rights, several instruments promoting women’s inclusion in the political space but a lot of those instruments have not been adequately addressed or enforced within the context of our laws and legislation”, she lamented, arguing that “providence also has something to do with this”.
“I believe there’s a God who has a hand in the current global affairs. I feel strongly that our prayers are getting answered”, she stressed.
Effiong identified cultural stereotype as the singular most inhibiting factor against women’s involvement in politics in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular, adding that the situation is so pervasive that women themselves have tended to accept the dominance of men to their exclusion and marginalization.
“It’s more of a cultural issue to me and that’s why the political space has not been opened up to encourage as many women as possible”, she said, noting that “The traditional gate-keepers are men, not women, traditional and anscestral stools are dominated by men in this part of the world”.
Regrettably, she said that this cultural setting is usually carried over to the outer political space where, unforuantely, even the women are not able to extricate themselves from the limiting mindset.
“Even the women, unconsciously, are limited by their own thinking. Women accept the stereotyping. It is believed that there are certain professions that are exclusive preserve of the male”, she noted with regret, adding that women are usually interpreted along their care giving roles.
She urged the government to be at the vanguard of promoting and enforcing women inclusion and development agenda while calling on the men folk not to see women issues as an affront to their masculinity but to understand that they seek only to be partners and not a change of positions.
“They need to understand that what the women are actually asking for is partnership. Women don’t want to take over. Women just want to partner with men”, she explained.
“There is really nothing to take over. All that we want is carry us along”, she emphasised, stressing that “The real essence of equality is not equality in terms of status, position and prestige. We want equality in terms of opportunities and outcome”.
Opaka Dokubo
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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