A coalition of 35 women groups has written President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint 35 female ministers in his cabinet, saying this will be a legacy worthy of him.
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Women Radio and Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) who wrote on behalf of the Women groups reminded the President of his meeting with female parliamentarians and when he addressed Women at the Advocacy Summit of 30 August 2018 where the implementation of 35% affirmative action was raised.
According to the coalition, President Buhari assured Nigerian Women of his full support because according to him this will “improve the representation of women in our politics.’’
The President was quoted to have said, “women are dedicated and more principled and that you are confident, Women can make great leaders.”
He said, “Nigerian women are resilient and dedicated to their responsibilities” and desired an enabling environment for women to participate in political process as women constitute more than fifty percent of voters.
The coalition urged the president to appoint a minimum of 35% women as he begins to put his cabinet together across parastatals and agencies, saying it would create a worthy legacy of Mr. President.
The coalition said the promise if kept, will be a right step given the fact that women representation in governance is as low as 4%.
“President Buhari will be remembered for restoring true democracy to Nigeria and ameliorate lack of women in elective positions while achieving a Sustainable Development Goal for Nigeria,” the coalition said.
