President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism that Nigerian women would turn out en masse to vote for him in the forthcoming presidential election as they did during the 2015 general election.
Addressing a summit organized by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and Women in Politics Forum, Buhari said that women constituted more than 50 per cent of voters, and more dedicated than their male counterparts during elections. According to him, politicians relied on women voters because” their word is usually their bond,” and they would not disappoint those they support. “Let me recall and thank Nigerian women who put their confidence in me and voted for me in 2015. It is my hope that the confidence is still there; seeing this gathering. I am confident that it will remain.
“Nigeria is a country of opportunities and possibilities. It is blessed with productive and skilled manpower, coupled with resources still being harnessed. With the right leadership at all levels, appropriate mindset and strong institutions, we can attain great heights. “A few months ago, I met with female parliamentarians and they raised issues concerning the passage of Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill now before the National Assembly and the implementation of 35 per cent affirmative action, among others.
“I am fully in support of both positions because these measures will improve the representation of women in our politics. Let me add my voice to the call on women to contest for political offices and effect the changes they want to see. I am confident that women can make great leaders and move the nation forward,” he said.
Buhari also urged all political parties to create the level playing grounds where women can contest elective positions and participate in the political process without unnecessary encumbrances. Director-General, Women Development Centre, Mary Eta, said that the women summit was an evidence that Nigeria was only aligning with the renewed global thinking on how to adequately harness the untapped capacity and talents of women and women’s leadership.
.new telegraph
