By Abel Daniel, Lafia
As the search for vice president by the winners of presidential candidates thickens, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has appealed to political parties to consider the female folks when choosing their running mates.
The president of NAWOJ, Miss Ladi Bala in a press statement commended all the political parties for the peaceful and successful conventions and election of their presidential flag bearers.
Ladi indicated that the “NAWOJ applauds the processes and the demonstration of the sense of responsibility by the political parties in the conduct of their primaries,
“There is however the need for a gender sensitive representation in the entire political equation and balancing. There is no gain saying that this has become imperative.
“It is against this backdrop that the Association is hereby appealing to political parties to in the interest inclusive society and development, consider picking a woman as running mate for the office of vice president and deputy governors of the respective states.
The NAWOJ said it is “worrisome to note that rumours making the rounds are suggestive of male candidates being considered for the office of vice president by political parties.
“This posture will not only negate the contribution of women to nation building but, also endanger an inclusive governance in Nigeria where all demography clearly indicate the need for a sense of belonging and giving equal opportunity for females to serve at the highest level.
“The time has come for the promotion of gender equality in political leadership in Nigeria to be accorded the center stage particularly as we head towards the 2023 General Elections.
She said that if women are given the place it will help reposition the country and properly situate it in its pride of place and position as the giant of Africa not only in size but in involvement in global discourse.
The NAWOJ appealed to journalists and media organisations in the country to rise to the occasion of setting agenda for a more inclusive governance in Nigeria.