19th March, 2015
Jamiu Yisa
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday met with women groups in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, and promised gender equality and equity in all areas of the economy if voted into power on 28 March..
Speaking at the event which was held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, he said that women were visible and competent in nation building as well as played key and prominent roles in the country’s independence but unfortunately their efforts are not fully appreciated.
GMB, as he is called by his supporters, said that he is on a mission to restore the fading glory of Nigeria, adding that this won’t be possible without the support of the women.
He said one of the priorities of his government if elected will be women empowerment and gender equality in all areas of the economy and national development.
“My mission is for my daughters and their daughters to see their dreams come true. I therefore make a solemn promise that they won’t be taken for granted. It’s impossible to clap with one hand.
“APC under my administration is committed to gender equality in all areas of the economy and national development. I will ensure the implementation of gender policies especially women empowerment, promotion of women equality and equity.
“I will provide level playing ground for our women at all levels of governance and strong political will to promote gender equity. I will also make concerted effort to empower women in the rural areas, provide legal protection for women against violence, rape and abuse.
“I will ensure that women have better access to credit facilities to support their businesses. I will also ensure that women interests are protected and safe guarded,” he said.
The Director General, APC Presidential Campaign Organization, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, said that the purpose of the event was to bring GMB closer to the women folk so that they can have the opportunity to ask him questions.
“This man that they have been demonised is a human being afterall. He is a man of his words. He is a Muslim but accords his Christian staff their rights. He allows them to go to church on Sundays.
“They said he will relegate the women to the kitchen if elected but his wife has been going from one state to another campaigning for him. A very intelligent woman. An epitome of a good wife. She has never abused Mr President or those abusing her husband. She didn’t behave like the first lady.
“We have extremely brilliant and intelligent women and we appreciate them. The era when women were relegated to the kitchen has gone.
“They have tried all they could but cannot fault GMB. He is not corrupt. He is transparent. PDP cannot fault him on that. No matter what the FG does, there will be no power untill the government at the centre is changed. What they garbage in is what they garbage out,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola said no government has been good to the women folk like the APC, adding that the state has more women judges in the courts on merit, Magistrates and more girl child in public schools.
He faulted the Goodluck Jonathan administration on power generation, adding that despite its promise on electricity, Nigerians still suffer epileptic power supply.
When the governor asked, “have you started giving your generators out? Is it cheaper now?” the hall chorused “no”.