By Ahmad Umar
Gombe (Nigeria) – Women group in Gombe State northeast of the country on Tuesday stormed the State House of Assembly over their non involvement in the Current re-structuring debate in the country
The women group came from five local government areas under a Non-Governmental Organisation, Hope Foundation for the Lonely with the support of Action Aid Nigeria.
The women group who marched from the Emir’s Palace to the state Assembly, said that the debate on re-structuring the country has become more glaring but it automatically excluded the voice of women especially, those in the rural areas.
Speaking on behalf of the women Mrs. Runt James, said the women gathered from five LGAs across the State had organized group discussions and agreed that the Nigeria should remain united.
The women also sought the support of the lawmakers to stop marginalization of women, promote unity in diversity to allow peace and development, encourage dialogue and reconciliation with agitators, enshrine 35% affirmative action in the Constitution, enforce the implementation of the affirmative action especially in the northern part of the country.
They also appealed to northern leaders to support women in politics, provide educational opportunities for women, poverty eradication programmes for women and allow women to hold key political positions to enhance transparency and accountability in governance
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In an interview with Journalists shortly after the rally, the Executive Director of Hope Foundation for the Lonely, Sara Yakuwa solicited men’s cooperation to allow women participate actively in national issues.
She said that Women are the most vulnerable group who are always at the receiving end of insecurity in the country.
According to her , they do not fully understand the much talked about re-structuring, meaning, benefits and the implications to the citizens of Nigeria.
“In view of this, Hope for the Lonely and Action Aid Nigeria had a discussion forum with women at the grass root level to know their views about dividing the country, so that women can understand the whole concept and give their own contributions to the debate.
“Women representatives from 5 LGAs (Billiri, Funakaye, Yamaltu Deba, Gombe and Shongom and also a representation of Female Persons Living with Disability) were involved in the discussion at the state capital and they came up with positive solutions and actions towards contributing to the unity and peaceful co-existance for the Nigerians. “
Also speaking the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs , Gadado Lawnti, assured them that the House would support all their activities.
