As political parties prepare for the conduct of primaries to elect flag bearers in the upcoming Chairmanship and Councillorship elections across 23 Local Government Ares in Rivers State, a political group known as National Youth Revolution, is calling on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to provide a conducive environment and policy that will lead to the emergence of female Council Chairmen and Councillors in the planned primaries.
Leader of the group, Amb. Adolphus Emmanuel, in a statement made available to media houses in the state, said it is imperative for political parties to back their promised support for women by not only making forms free of charge but also ensuring that women, who have requisite capacity are given opportunity to serve as Chairmen and councillors in the various local government councils.
He said, not only would this fulfill the much talked about 35% affirmative action, but it would reduce the violence and lack of leadership experienced in most local government areas. Noting that women, are good human and resource mangers, due to their natural psychological traits. Stating further that women , who led some Local Government Councils, performed better then their male contemporaries in such LGAs.
He called on the Governor of the State, Chief Bar. Nyesom Wike, to raise the bar once again, by allowing women occupy the Chairmanship position. He commended him for the opportunity he, as the leader of the PDP, in collaboration with other stakeholders of the party, gave to women, to become vice chairmen in the 23 LGAs, noting that as a gender friendly governor, he should encourage the participation of women which will lead to the emergence of female council chairmen in the April 17 polls.
He however, urged women to grab the opportunity provided by the award winning Governor Wike, by presenting themselves for elective positions now and in future elections. He also admonished other political parties to emulate the template adopted by the PDP by supporting the aspirations of female politicians.
