NAWOJ condemns party interference  in the Election of National Assembly leadership

By Punarimam Fehintola

The FCT National Association of women journalist NAWOJ has condemned the inference of political parties in the selection of leaders in the 9th Assembly.

In a statement signed by the secretary of the Association Nkiru Nnoli said leadership especially the ruling APC endorsement of two male law makers for Senate and House of Representative is unacceptable.

She explained that there are female law makers of the Assembly who are eminently qualified to take up the positions even on the platform of APC but may never be given such opportunity.

Furtherance to the outcome of 2019 general election the group appreciated the relatively peaceful conduct of the general elections but condemn the wide spread of violence especially in Rivers, Imo and Lagos state noting that women and children are mostly affected.

NAWOJ therefore called on INEC and security agencies to revolve mechanism of protecting the electorates during elections.

The group stressed that there is a decline in the number of women that emerged at party primaries and general elections, adding that high cost of nomination forms and vote buying greatly affected the fortunes of Nigeria women in the recently concluded elections, while tasking political parties on the review of exorbitant nomination forms for women, Congress observed that the 35% affirmative action would not be achieved if the current trend continues.

The female group raised concern over incessants attack of bandits in Zamfara state and resultant death toll which has left many women widowed and children orphans, they hereby called on federal government and relevant agencies to act speedily to avoid more violence.