Politics
Affirmative Action: Committee Focuses On Political Gatekeepers
The Rivers State branch of the National Affirmative Action Committee on Domestication of 35% Affirmative Action on Women in Politics, says it will focus on identifying individuals and groups of political gatekeepers in the state between July and December 2012.
Coordinator of the State branch of the committee, Ms Sylvia Briggs disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt shortly after the inauguration of the committee.
According to Ms Briggs, the focus on individuals and groups of political gatekeepers is necessitated by the need to lay a solid foundation in the state to enhance the achievement of the 35% Affirmative Action “to enable women participate favourably among their male counterparts in the political arena of the state in future elections”.
Briggs explained that such gatekeepers include political leaders and legislators adding that, the first lady of the state, Dame Judith Amaechi will also be involved as mother to women in the states, to mobilize the women towards the attainment of the objective of the Committee.
She noted that the focus on political gatekeepers is part of a three point terms of reference for the Committee, via: Advocacy for the domestication of Affirmative Action in the State,hold meetings to identify political gatekeepers and develop strategies for advocacy in the state.
It also include influencing identified political gatekeepers to adopt special measures, quotas and mechanism for achieving minimum critical number of women in political offices, party organs and public life by pursuing 35% Affirmative Action in favour of women in order to bridge the gaps in political representative in both elective and appointive position at all levels of governance by 2015 in Nigeria.
On the availability of qualified women to fill positions to be warranted by the implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action for women, Briggs explained that “there are even more qualified women than the 35%. The problem is that because of the political terrain in Nigeria, most of them had lost interest after being marginalized as a result of their sex.
“That is why we want to first of all focus on targeting political leaders and parties to provide a quota at all levels of politics for only women to contest.
“After then, we will build the capacity of women on political involvement and participation”, she said.
On sustainability of the programme, the Co-ordinator said the committee is being sponsored by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) in collaboration with the Centre for Human development.
Other members of the Committee are, Barrister Sarah Emmanuel-Appiah, Mrs Sogbeba Dokubo, Ahumanyah Maxwell and Mrs Buloala West.
Sogbeba 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.
-
Sports2 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports2 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports2 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
News2 days agoSERAP Sues Govs, FCT Minister Over Security Vote Spending
-
Sports2 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Niger Delta2 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form
-
Editorial2 days agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road