Zakari
The President, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), Mrs Ebere Ifendu, on Monday, applauded President Buhari for appointing Mrs Amina Zakari as acting Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ifendu gave the commendation at a news conference, organised by the Forum in collaboration with various gender and women related non-governmental organisations in Abuja.
She, however, faulted criticisms that trailed the appointment of Zakari, from various quarters.
According to her, the appointment of acting INEC boss is in line with the national gender policy and procedure for appointment in INEC.
“The time has come for Nigeria to recognise that appointment of women in executive and other positions is not a favour as has been muted in some quarters.
“The Forum also recognises and appreciates the recent unprecedented appointments by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai, specifically the gender composition of his cabinet.
“We have also been informed that Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has appointed a woman as Head of Service.’’
Ifendu said that the inclusion of women in election administration would augment efforts to increase women’s voices and participation in the electoral process.
The WIPF president said it was imperative that gender inclusiveness be adopted as culture and a right in executive appointment.
She called on other state actors to emulate the gender sensitive posture of Buhari and urged him to recommend the acting chairman of INEC to the senate for confirmation.
Mrs Saudatu Madhi, the Secretary General, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), while fielding questions from newsmen, said the conference was organised to appreciate the efforts of the president in delivering on his campaign promise.
Mahdi said that whereas the applause may be termed as “early” the president’s appointment of Zakari was a good step in the right direction.
She then urged the President to continue on the path he had started in order to realise his promise for the women in the country.
Some of the NGOs that organised the conference include: Proactive Gender Initiative (PGI), Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), 100 Women Loby Group and Equity Advocates.
Others are: National Association of Women Jornalists (NAWOJ), Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Women Foundation of Nigeria (WFN) and Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF).
(NAN)
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