Politics - National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ambassador Kema Chikwe yesterday led other female members to canvass support for President Jonathan's second tenure, saying he has not only increased the slot for women for public offices to 35 percent, but also assigned women to ministries that were hitherto exclusively reserved for men.
Speaking during the launch of PDP women-in-power 2013 calendar at the International Conference Centre Abuja, Chikwe said with that foundation being laid for the advancement of women by Jonathan, the next dispensation will attract more female governors and deputy governors.
This is in spite of the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan to PDP members to keep campaigns for 2015 in abeyance at the moment.
'We are confident that when President Goodluck Jonathan returns in 2015 women would be talking about 50 percent no longer 35 percent. As we give unequivocal, undiluted, unreserved and unlimited support and as we march with him to 2015, PDP women will reach the promise land,' she said.
In her remarks, the First Lady Patience Goodluck Jonathan said even if 100 parties ganged up against PDP they will never defeat the party, adding that it is only PDP that has implemented the 35 percent for women.
On the First Lady Peace Mission building, Mrs. Jonathan appealed to the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass the N4 billion budgeted for the project as the building is not for her but for Nigeria, which she said would generate employment for Nigerian youths.
Also in attendance are wife of the vice president Hajiya Amina Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim who stood in for President Jonathan; Senate President David Mark who was represented by Senator Helen Esuene; Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who was represented by Rep Mulikat Akande and PDP national leaders led by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja.
By Fidelis Mac-Leva
Daily Trust/22/02/2013