By Faith Igbudu
Benue female politician, Kukase Garba, has berated Nigerian lawmakers for voting against a bill for affirmative action for women in political leadership and at the national and state assemblies.
Garba, who is the Council boss of Vandeikya Local Government of the state, spoke with The Voice Wednesday in Makurdi on the issue while condemning the lawmakers said such a decision should not come from men who are enlightened, saying they have indirectly shot themselves in the leg by the denial.
She said all the lawmakers have affiliations with women as wives, sisters and friends and daughters, who will soon have no female role models to look up to because of this refusal.
She, therefore, called on the lawmakers to reconsider their decision before it becomes glaring and shameful.
“The issue of women in politics has always been a thing of concern for everybody, including some men but women are also citizens of this country and as such, are supposed to be a part of the decision making process.
“Not knowing that if women don’t take positions in politics, someday their mothers, wives, friends, daughters will have nothing, nobody to look up to or a role model to refer to.
“It is not a thing of joy, that the men, who are supposedly very exposed and educated have unanimously voted against women participating in politics at the national level. And I feel very sad because even if the affirmative action was agreed on by the lawmakers, it would be difficult for women to grab all the seats because there are many other factors that militate against women in politics.
Garba, however, expressed happiness that although the lawmakers have not agreed to give women the percentage deserved, it doesn’t necessarily stop women from aspiring.
She called on women all over the nation that think they have something to offer and they are willing to serve to come and compete for the relevant positions. “I want to encourage women, not to be discouraged,” she stated.
The chairman further commended Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom, who at the state level have tried to allocate political positions to women.
Recall that on Monday, it was widely reported that the National Assembly voted against a bill providing for affirmative action for women in political parties’ administration. The lawmakers also voted against the bill to create special seats for women in the national and state assemblies.