Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo has again extolled the gender friendly disposition of the State Chief Executive, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike which encourages women participation in politics.
Dr. Banigo stated this when members of Gender And Development Action in partnership with the National Democratic Institute paid her a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Banigo said Governor deliberately opened up the political space for women to participate actively and contribute their quota in the development of the State, noting that in the recently concluded Local Government Polls 23 women emerged as Vice chairmen which is unprecedented in the annals of our political history.
According to the Deputy Governor, women have also had their fair share in terms of political appointments into positions of trust in the State.
Dr. Banigo who urged women to participate actively in the upcoming elections, however warned that Security Agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, must truly be independent and neutral and allow a transparent, free and fair elections.
Earlier, the Director of Gender and Development Action, Susan Bassey-Duke had informed the Deputy Governor that her organization had been on the fore front of rallying National, State and Local Government Women Groups to work towards increasing women’s visibility in electoral and political processes.
According to her the National Democratic Institute in collaboration with Gender and Development Action would work towards the reduction of violence against women in elections, by working with the Security Agencies, INEC, and Political Parties to ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2019 elections.
