Akeredolu, Others Protest Exclusion Of Women In Imo Politics, Governance
- – Prof. Obiaraeri Makes Case For Women In Imo Politics
A high powered women group led by the First Lady of Info State, Dr. Betty Akeredolu under the aegis “Imo Women Matter, has taking an exception to the exclusion of women at ever level of governance in Imo State.
The women had communicated their disillusionment in a letter they had written transmitted to different political parties, drawing the attention of the development to the Chairmen of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) Among others.
The letter dated April 25, 2023 reads in parts:
PROTEST AGAINST THE EXCLUSION OF WOMEN IN IMO POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
Above subject matter refers.
This letter conveys the compliments of Imo women to the Chairman and Members of the LP’s State Executive Committee.
It is our intention to draw your attention to recent political developments in Imo State with focus on utter exclusion of women in politics and governance.
The outcomes of recently concluded 2023 general elections leave Imo women in a state of disillusionment, having been systematically excluded at all levels as revealed by the depressing data as presented below:
- The three elected senators in Imo State are all males.
- The ten elected members of the Federal House of Representatives are nine males, only one female.
- The twenty seven elected members of Imo State House of Assembly are all males.
- All the governorship candidates of political parties in the state are all males.
- The positions of chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries of major political parties in the state are currently held by the menfolk.
Mr. Chairman, the above data and more, do not present Imo as a gender sensitive State which on account of the state’s position as educationally advantaged state should be at the tops in attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 which harps on Global Gender Equality.
OUR DEMAND
In the light of the anomalies highlighted above, Imo women hereby present a modest demand that all political parties should nominate women as Deputy Governorship candidates (running mates) to the gubernatorial candidates in the upcoming governorship election of November 2023.
Specifically, Imo women demand that you use your good offices to liase with the National and State leadership of Imo Labour Party to ensure compliance to nominate a woman as a running mate/Deputy Governorship candidate to the LP Governorship candidate in the November 11 Governorship election.
This timely request is in the honest belief that such step would not only give you electoral advantages but will also promote a sense of belonging, participation and engender peace and progress in Imo State.
We are aware that your party’s manifesto is rich on provisions for gender balance and inclusions. This is the time for your political party to walk the talk in Imo State and include at least one Imo Woman on the ballot.
While your expeditious consideration is anticipated, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards, always.
Signed:
Her Excellency
Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu
Ada Owere 1
Convener
Princess Calista Anene
Hon. Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Njoku
Mrs. Chinyere Nneke-Iyke
For: Imo Women Matter
Meanwhile, a Professor of Law, Nnamdi Obiaraeri had also thrown his weight behind Imo women, calling for their inclusion in the political arrangements of every political parties in the state.
Prof. Obiaraeri made the call during live Radio programme on Darling Fm 107.3 on Wednesday.
Prof Obiaraeri disclosed that among all the elective positions from the state, only one woman was elected into the House Representatives whereas every other positions, including 27 House Assembly members, no woman was among.
in recommendation, he called on other political parties to appoint women as their running mates for the position of Deputy Governor or consider them other strategic positions like Secretary of the State Government or Chief of Staff.
