In line with the 35 percent affirmation agenda which advocates for strong female inclusion in appointed and elected offices, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is presenting four female Chairmanship and 56 Councillorship female candidates for the forth coming Local Government election in Cross River State.
The party also intends to fly not less than 15 female Vice Chairmanship candidates across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
The State PDP Chairman, Ntufam John A. Okon, disclosed this to newsmen during a press briefing, adding that, "This magnanimous gender representative percentage is the highest any State has offered in elections both in and outside Nigeria".
According to him, "In pursuance of the 22 September, 2013 deadline for Local Government Election by Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), the PDP in the State has successfully concluded primary elections into the offices of 18 Council Chairmen and 196 Honourable members of Council".
Okon attributed the success of the primaries to the leader of the party in the State, Governor Liyel Imoke, and said his vision was anchored on consensus building, strict adherence to zoning and the principle of gender participation and equity.He however, debunked the allegation that the Governor's wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, influenced the emergence of women as Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship candidates, stressing that, "Mrs. Imoke did not impose any candidate on us but has encouraged women to be involved in politics through advocacy".
The Chairman said though she is a strong advocate that women should be given political offices, women who had indicated interest to contest were more than those who eventually emerged.
Okon emphasized that the party did not impose anybody and that it was the duty of a caucus as stated in the party's constitution which include leaders of the party in the wards and said all those who were qualified contested at the primaries and that it was well done, rancour free, no protest or court case at the Chairmanship but for the four Councilor aspirants.
He warned that any person, who rather than explore constitutional means to settle his problem but prefers the court, will be suspended by the party.
The Chairman expressed confidence that the party is not shaken in the State and that the issue of which zone takes over from the Governor is forgone because the leader of the party had said it at different fora that in the spirit of equity and justice, the next Governor will come from the Northern Senatorial District.
On Bakassi, he noted that the issue is a touching one as plans are at hand to ensure the people are adequately settled and accommodated with the assistance of the Federal Government, adding that the Federal Government has no intention of going to war over the matter.
He further refuted allegations that party officials had embezzled the sum of N800 million, stating that it was fabrication from some disgruntled members as monies generated from the sales of forms and other sub-heads were expended on running the primaries.
Okon explained that within first year in office of the present Exco, they have put in place a functional Administrative Office, held consultations with Chapter Officers, Council Chairmen, Members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive Council, Members of National Assembly, State Caucus, Stakeholders and Leaders of the party while being in partnership with NGOs, Donor Agencies and elected representatives to provide entrepreneurship for the teeming youths of Cross River State.
Cross River State has been doing well all thanks to the governor. More improvements is all the indigens are clamouring for now