Politics
Lagos Assembly Seeks More Women In Legislature
The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on women in politics to take the courage of contesting for seats in the legislative arm of government, to develop the economy.
The chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, made the call during a news conference in commemoration of the International Women’s Day in Lagos yesterday.
Alli-Macaulay, representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I, said that the country had one of the lowest numbers of female parliamentarians on the continent.
According to her, there are only three females in the Lagos Assembly, out of the 40 lawmakers in the House.
She said that the figure was not in tandem with the 35 per cent affirmative action for women which could further promote women’s participation in governance.
The lawmaker, however, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for accommodating more women in his administration.
She said that the involvement of more women would contribute to the political and economic development of the state.
Alli-Macaulay said that the 2021 budget, christened “Budget of Hope” had clearly given education a fair share targeting the girl-child, out of school children and lots more.
She, therefore, emphasised on the need for women to be given their pride of place as catalysts for a developed nation.
The lawmaker said that if given the opportunity, women would make the country work again, citing examples of what was happening in developed countries, where women had been able to serve as leaders in high places.
“You see women taking charge in the economies of the world, and I make bold to say our own Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) is one of them.
“She will be driving the WTO, bringing to bear the best of her negotiation prowess to negotiate for world trade barter deals across the divides all over the world in almost 200 countries on the planet earth.
“We have so many women who actually lead in commerce. We have women who are Prime Ministers and those who are Presidents.
“We have women who are taking charge of powerful positions but I know that very soon in Africa, we will come to terms with the fact that women have more roles to play on development.
“Once they latch on it, they will drive it and we will get to Eldorado. I know that for sure,” Alli-Macaulay said.
She pointed out that political policies were undermining participation of women in politics while societal trajectory discouraged women from actually joining politics.
“A lot of men know what they do to women who are politicians, therefore, they will not encourage their wives to join this same politics.
“They will say stay there, go to the other room and take care of your children because they know what they do to brave women who are in politics who survived the tide in politics.
“All you see women do is to dance at campaign rallies and end up becoming women leaders of political parties at the ward or local governments’ level,’’ she said.
Alli-Macaulay said that women were incubators of success and it was high time government policies were tailored toward favouring them in governance.
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.
-
Politics4 days agoEFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
-
Business4 days ago
AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026
-
Sports4 days agoJ And T Dynasty Set To Move Players To Europe
-
Business4 days ago
Industrialism, Agriculture To End Food Imports, ex-AfDB Adviser Tells FG
-
Politics4 days ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
-
Politics4 days ago
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
-
Business4 days ago
Cashew Industry Can Generate $10bn Annually- Association
-
Entertainment4 days agoAdekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies