Rev. Otu reiterates commitment to women inclusion in government

Emmanuel Alfred

Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has reiterated her desire to continue using her office in advocating for women inclusion in government.

She said this when she received the Comr. Lydia Agaji led – exco of Women Committee, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLCWC), Cross River State Branch in her office complex.

Rev. Otu who believes that women’s political participation and inclusion in decision making is a key element in achieving a truly inclusive democracy, and women must have the chance to exercise their franchise.

Quoting the Beijing 1995 women engagements act, Rev. Otu made reference to the UN-Women rights of inclusion in politics that includes the right to live free from violence and discrimination; to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn an equal wage as their male counterparts.

However, she noted that across the globe many women and girls still face unjust discrimination on the basis of sex and gender.

She assured the women on the commitment of the State Government as evident in the reiteration of the Governor His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who in his magnanimity extended the percentage participation of women in politics to 50% in the quest of building a better and prosperous Cross River State of our dreams.

In her words: “No Women No Nation, and so I want to thank you because without your sincere efforts at the polls victory wouldn’t have been possible, because you harvested the humongous votes and I want to assure you that it will not go unnoticed so thank you very much”.

Making reference to the complimentary role of her office, she alluded her commitment to playing the advocacy role in ensuring that the interest of women who forms her immediate constituency is well protected and insured. She led the women as they danced to melodious folk tunes from the NLCWC.