Mrs Chime Seeks Women Participation In Politics

The wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Mrs Clara Chime, has urged women in the state to participate in politics to contribute meaningfully to nation building.

She made the call at a two-day workshop on ‘‘Challenges Facing Nigerian Women Politically, Economically, Morally and Security Wise,’’ in Enugu on Wednesday.

Opening the workshop, Chime advised the women to speak with one voice.

She explained that the workshop was organised to sensitise women political aspirants and appointees on the political process, ahead of the 2011 general elections.

She urged the women to register, contest and vote during the elections.

She, however, urged the workshop participants to utilise the gains of the workshop by taking the message to the grassroots.

An official of INEC, Dr Antonia Ekwo, advised the women to ensure that their children were not used as thugs during elections.

Ekwo also urged the media to give equal coverage and time to every political party.

“The media should give equal coverage to all political parties, especially female politicians and should know that they are entitled to pay a fine if they contravened this law,’’ Ekwo said.

The Deputy Registrar of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Mr Innocent Udedibor, advised women to be charismatic and not to focus on material gains in vying for political positions.

The Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ESUBEB), Mrs Ethel Nebo-Ezeabasili, called on women to speak with one voice and encourage themselves in the forth coming elections.

“We should vote, not just by lip service but by actions. Women should work together in the forth coming elections so that we will be represented,’’ Nebo-Ezeabasili said.

She appealed to women to mobilise themselves to participate in the elections.

Some of the participants who spoke with NAN commended the Governor’s wife for encouraging them. Mrs Flora Chibuzo and Mrs Peace Patrick said the workshop was useful.