By Eteteonline
The NRC’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, outlined his plans for women if elected on Saturday. He assured National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) members that a government led by him will uphold women’s rights as collaborators in the development of the country.
The two torchbearers were invited to explain their agenda for women, and Tofa’s meeting with the council followed that of his SDP counterpart, Chief MKO Abiola.
During their meeting, Abiola promised the NCWS members that his administration would have a favourable effect on women. Hajia Laila Dongonyaro, the president of NCWS, had stated that the NRC candidate could still speak to the women.
Tofa presented a nine-point proposal to guarantee a better deal for women during the conference.
“We shall vigorously pursue a better and new life programme which will accommodate local, cultural, social and religious peculiarities.
“Women will be massively involved in socially prospective works through a large-scale industrial programme.”
Women would be selected to high political positions as needed, and day care centers would be established by an NRC government to assist working mothers.
Tofa also said: “My government will formulate policies that will require professional associations to encourage women to aspire and attain a leading role. Problems peculiar to women will be vigorously tackled. Mine will be leadership by example. In the management of our national affairs, we shall emphasize integrity, accountability, frugality, discipline, firmness, and transparent honesty.”
The issues faced by women in rural areas, as mothers, as professionals, as administrators, and as students would also be addressed by the NRC.
“My government will abrogate all laws that are discriminatory against women and policies that are repugnant to equity, good conscience and natural justice. Specifically, it will review laws on taxation and rights of inheritance as they affect women,” the flagbearer promised.
Mrs. Chris Anyanwu, the publisher of TSM, headed a panel of questioners who asked him to outline the jobs and number of women he would appoint if elected, just as his SDP counterpart had done.
In response, Alhaji Tofa said, “Moshood Abiola is not going to win this election, so he can say anything he likes. For me, I am a realist, and I stand by my promises.”
Women’s viewpoint was ignited by the meeting’s chairman, Mrs. Stella Obiageli Ogbonna, who stated: “Women are tired of being sleeping partners. We want to be active partners in the field of development. We want a leader who would banish corruption and who would restore hope to the citizenry.”
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