"I am committed to making sure that I will carry women along" - Peter Obi on Women's inclusion in politics
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has voiced his intentions to include more women in governance. This is as campaigns continue ahead of Nigeria's 2023 elections.
On Wednesday, Mr Obi addressed the Voice Of Women VOW2022 Conference at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, saying Nigeria needed an inclusive and accountable Nigeria from 2023.
"This country cannot make sustainable progress if we continue to leave 50% of the population, which are women, behind. As Presidential Candidates speak to Nigerian Women from across the country at this event," Mr Obi said. "it is good for the women to listen to what we have to say and then look at what we did before now - our respective antecedents - when we had the opportunity to bring them to the leadership table. Women need to vote right, looking at antecedents on inclusivity agenda."
The former Anambra state governor noted that during his administration, he had women make up 40 per cent of his cabinet as "women were far more committed and trustworthy."
“My tenure as governor had very strong women representation because I understand the value women bring to the table, and the state was better for it. I attribute my success as governor to the capable women I surrounded myself with," Mr Obi said. “As Anambra governor, I had a female deputy. My chief of staff was a woman. My commissioners for planning, local government affairs, education and finance were women. Also, the state Accountant-General in my tenure was a woman.”
VOW convener and CEO of Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, said the conference was necessary to hear plans the candidates have in store for women.
"We want a different outcome next year, we want to be sought after now and allowed to make decisions that affect everyone after the elections. We want our voices, opinions and expertise to matter, which is why we are asking today what these candidates would do for us before we elect them. The era of use and dump must end,” she said.