AFRICA ( Commonwealth Union) _ The women professionals of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) from the South-South geo-political zone have expressed their support for the nomination of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for the position of the 10th President of the Senate. Akpabio, who previously served as a Minister of the Niger Delta, is one of the adopted candidates of the APC. The women professionals, represented by their coordinator, Blessing Ossom, believe that Akpabio’s Senate Presidency would work towards implementing the National Gender Policy’s 35% Affirmative Action for women.
The National Gender Policy aims to address discrimination and inequality against women and promote gender equality. The South-South Women Professionals trust that Senator Akpabio, with his track record as a commissioner, governor, senator, and minister, has the capability and courage to fulfill the responsibilities of the Senate President. They are confident that he will champion the 35% affirmative order, which advocates for women’s increased representation in government positions.
The group asserts that women have proven their excellence as managers and administrators and desires to see its members occupy significant leadership positions. They align themselves with the decision of the APC’s national leadership to zone the Senate Presidency of the 10th Senate to the South-South geo-political zone and nominate Senator Akpabio for the position. They appreciate the party leaders for their commitment to truth, fairness, and justice.
The women professionals argue that the South-South zone has not produced a Senate President since 1999, while the South East, North Central, and North East zones have had their representatives in that position. They urge other zones to reciprocate the South-South’s support by endorsing a candidate from the region for the Senate Presidency.
The statement also dismisses a group called the South-South Women Compatriots, whom they consider faceless and allege are paid political jobbers. The women professionals urge well-meaning Nigerians to ignore this group.
