Buhari’s Minister visits PDP Chairman, Makarfi

Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, on Monday received Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Jummai Alhassan, at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.

Makarfi said the PDP would support the enactment of a law in support of the gender parity in politics and participation in governance.

He said, “If it is in compliance with the law, everybody will comply, but if you leave it flexible, it is an escapist route. Forget about the nomination form, pay and get the ticket. Let us do the right thing.”

He called for legislation backing the 35 per cent affirmative action on women participation in politics and government in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Makarfi hailed the minister, saying “I am not very surprised that you are doing well because you were trained and brought up by the PDP.”

Earlier, the minister urged parties to adopt a policy of voluntary electoral party gender quota system to ensure more participation of the womenfolk in politics and governance.

She said, “Although the Nigerian constitution guarantees equality for everyone in all spheres, women have not enjoyed this constitutional right.

“As a result, we have been overtaken by countries like Rwanda with 66 per cent women’s representation in parliament, South Africa with 40 per cent, Seychelles over 50 per cent, Ghana, 35 per cent and a large chunk of the other African countries with over 25 per cent.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria stands at less than six per cent, making the country, though the ‘Giant of Africa,’ a midget in comparison to others in this area.”

She appealed to parties to assist women as various political parties commenced preparations for 2019 general elections.

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