Following the on-going 1999 constitution review exercise by the National House of Assembly, a Non-Governmental Organization, Gender Development Action (GADA) yesterday in Calabar through a road show advocated for gender equity and equality in the current review process in order to carry the women folk along.
Speaking, the Executive Director of Gender and Development Action and Leader of the Road Show, Ada Agina-Ude decried the gross under- representation and marginalization of women in governance in Nigeria, though her policy stipulates that 35% of positions in public offices should be reserved for women.
Hence, she said, the need to draw the attention of our lawmakers and Government for the inclusion of the aforementioned provision into the constitution amendment process to give the much talked about affirmative action the legitimacy it deserves.
According to Ada Agina-Ude, "our business right now is to sensitize the people of Nigeria. What we are saying is that the ordinary people of Cross River State, the Government of Cross River, the Media as well as the Legislature of Cross River State, when the debate comes to Cross River State, kindly support gender equity and gender equality in the review process."
These areas, she said will reflect more on the provision of affirmative action as well as the absence of women in public offices and political appointments generally in Nigeria.
Making a comparative analysis of Nigerian women's participation in governance with reference to Rwanda's 56.5% women representation in parliament, Agina-Ude maintained that ours' is still a far cry from the current reality where gender equity and equality is given due attention and consideration globally.
Reacting, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edak Iwuchukwu represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Ifumi Njah, said her Ministry is in support of whatever genuine course the women are championing for the betterment of the women folk in Nigeria. She enjoined the women to always protect each other's interest wherever they find themselves.
She averred that "the message is not just for the Commissioner alone, wherever you find yourselves spread the message, encourage yourselves because women too don't encourage themselves. Are you aware of that? Where ever you are whether in the market, school or office, always speak for women and try to know what is happening around you".
In her goodwill message to the women during the road show which eventually culminated at the gate of Governor's Office, the representative of Calabar Municipal Constituency at the National Assembly, Mrs. Nkoyo Toyo expressed delight with the women's resolve to comport themselves in a peaceful manner while demanding for a change.
Mrs. Nkoyo assured the women of her continuous and effectual representation in the House, maintaining that everything that pertains to the wellbeing of the women folk remains dear to her heart. Amb. Nkoyo was represented at the event by Mrs. Violet Edet.
Earlier, during an interview session, Leader of the road show, Ada Agina-Ude posited that in order for Nigeria to meet not only her benchmark of 35% affirmative action for women, but to also surpass it, deliberate measures such as; the quota and proportional representation systems as applicable in other climes in Africa must be adopted to enable Nigeria realize her goals for Nigerian women.
To also buttress the above position, she said "it can be addressed by creating designated women's constituencies. For this option, some amendment to the Nigerian constitution is necessary."
In the same vein, Agina-Ude advocated for a change of the clause in the constitution that lays emphasis on indigeneship whenever one, especially the female folk is vying for a political office in the country. She declared that residency should be given prominence instead.
"We are saying instead of emphasizing on indigeneship, they should emphasize on residency. If a person has resided in a place for a long time, the person should be able to represent that place. This is what is happening in other countries, why should Nigeria be different?"
The road show, which began at the Millennium Park saw the women folk comprising of mothers, young female students as well as a fraction of men (in solidarity) marching through Moore road adjoining UCTH down to the First Lady's office.
However, since the First Lady was not on seat at the time the procession train got to her office due to the renovation works taking place therein, according to an official source who preferred to be anonymous, a detour was made via the UJ Esuene Stadium through the Old Secretariat road and culminated at the Governor's Office where a representative of the Commissioner for Women Affairs addressed the crowd.
This is a good from whoever organised this. This would enlighten the public more, I support
Cross River State is working because the governor is not sleeping.
Other states must learn