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Women in parliament seek appointment of female defence minister
The 9th Assembly Women in Parliament, on Monday, called for the appointment of a woman as Minister of Defence.
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Women in Parliament, Rep Taiwo Oluga, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja.
Oluga said that if a woman is appointed as defence minister, the security challenges confronting the country would be effectively tackled.
In her words, “For the first time in history, let a woman be appointed as minister of defence and you will see the action; you will see a positive change in our security architecture.”
Oluga said it was disheartening that despite the advocacy and attempt by women groups and parliamentarians to have increased women’s participation in Nigerian politics, not much progress seemed to have been made.
“Going by the number of women, who are currently nominated by various political parties and are vying for elective offices in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, there are serious issues of concern as it seems that the figure in the current assembly might worsen if drastic steps are not taken immediately
“Before the last primary elections, Nigeria ranked amongst the lowest number of women participation in governance in Africa, with about 6.2 per cent of national parliamentarians being women,” she said.
She expressed concern over the development.
“The question Is, of the less than 8 per cent of women nominated for elective offices in 2023, how many women would emerge victorious at the general elections?
“The point is that even if all these women win their elections, the figure remains very low and a cause for serious concern and action.
“Another question is, is there a taboo baring woman from vying for the highest decision-making position in Nigeria, that is the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
“This is because, out of all the 18 political parties in Nigeria, only the APM (Allied Peoples Movement) fielded a female presidential candidate,” she said.
The lawmaker said in some states like Kano, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, no single woman was nominated as presidential or national assembly candidate for the 2023 polls.
“The Implication of this is that, even before next year’s elections in Nigeria, it is crystal clear that 13.5 per cent of states will not have women in elective offices in their National Assembly seats,” she said.
Oluga described the development as a huge setback in attaining 35 per cent affirmative action in elective and appointive offices in Nigeria.
She attributed factors inhibiting women’s participation in politics to patriarchy, stigmatisation, low level of women’s education, financial problem, and political violence, among others.
She, however, said that the committee, with other development partners, would step up activities on the need to discourage religious beliefs and cultural practices that militate against women’s participation in politics.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in conjunction with the European Union, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and other partners.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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