A group of concerned citizens of Nigeria under the auspices of a campaign platform called ‘More Women Campaign’, has submitted a letter of support to the chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole, calling on the party leaders to do the needful by supporting the expression of interest of two women; Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Senator (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu, both vying for the position of Speaker of House of Representatives and Deputy Senate President.

Both legislators, the pro-women group said, have distinguished themselves in the National Assembly.

More Women Campaign is a group of diverse non-governmental organisations, concerned with the continued marginalisation of women in leadership positions in the country and committed to ensuring that women are in decision making positions in line with Nigeria’s international commitments on gender equality.

According to the group, Hon. Onyejeocha (elected on the platform of APC) who is vying for the position of Speaker at the House of Representatives, has acquired a great deal of legislative experience while serving as a member representing the Isuikwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State in the House of Representatives from 2007 to date.

She is the current Chairman, House Committee on Aviation for the second consecutive term. In the just concluded 2019 general elections, her constituents for an unprecedented fourth time re-elected her to continue to serve them, giving her the impetus to desire to take the up the Speakership position for greater impact.

According to the group, “Hon. Onyejeocha is no doubt a ranking member who has recorded landmark achievements, worked tirelessly to advance and institutionalised societal development. As a federal lawmaker, her attendance and participation at parliamentary sittings is phenomenal. She has successfully put together and assisted in the passage of several bills into laws of the federation of Nigeria.

“Moreover, as the current House Committee Chairman on Aviation, Hon. Onyejeocha has consistently supported the transformation agenda of the current administration and has significantly contributed in bringing sanity to the aviation sector that was becoming a source of nightmare to Nigerians and a reproach to the nation at the international community. These laudable efforts have been commended by all stakeholders’ in the industry.

“Hon. Onyejeocha is a dynamic, vibrant and a well-informed legislator, whose records of accomplishments both in the public and private sectors have left no one in doubt about the height she is yet to attain. She had dealt with a wide spectrum of issues of national, regional and local importance. Her honest and practical approach sets her apart from the other candidates. She has shown great concern for the nation, and her willingness to listen to people’s problems is commendable.”

The group is also canvassing support for Senator Oluremi Tinubu (elected on the platform of the APC) who is vying for the position of Deputy Senate President of the Upper Chamber. She is a former First Lady of Lagos State and currently a ranking senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

The highpoint of her achievements for which the group is routing for candidacy is that she has served her party dutifully and has held several positions within the National Assembly, including being the Chairman of Women Committee and Environment at different times.

Said the group in the statement: “Mrs. Tinubu is very connected to her constituency and holds frequent town hall meetings with the people, a record which distinguishes her from the very many pool of people in the National Assembly who are often disconnected from their constituencies. She is a regular, vocal and distinguished member of the hallowed chamber who hardly misses any sitting and at different times expressed support for the popular views of the people in the Senate.”

The statement therefore called on the leadership of APC and members of the National Assembly to consider “these eminently qualified female parliamentarians for the posts they are vying for, more so that they are both ranking members and possess all the attributes expected of the said positions.”

It added: “Taking this step will not only position APC as a gender-friendly party, but it will go a long way in placing Nigeria in the comity of nations committed to gender equality and women’s participation in power and decision making. It will set a precedent for other governments across Africa and increase the gender-rating of Nigeria.”

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