Market women urge APC, Tinubu to back female deputy speaker

Nigeria Market Women Forum has appealed to President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to support a female lawmaker to become the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives in fulfilment of his campaign promises of promoting inclusiveness.

The women, who described Tinubu as a pillar of Nigerian women, also called on other presidential contestants in the 2023 General Poll to sheathe their swords and support the former Lagos state governor to deliver the dividend of democracy.

The group which made the call in a statement signed by the National chairperson Hajiya Zainab Abubakar and the National Secretary Mrs Onukoya Bolaji, said a female deputy speaker would boost women participation in the government.

“His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been a pillar of Nigeria women and he has helped many of members to build and sustain their market and enthrone democracy in Nigeria. As we await your inauguration by the grace of God on May 29th, we the Nigerian market women Forum would continue to pray, support you and your government.

“We urge the fellow contestants to sheathe their sword and support the winner to deliver the dividend of democracy to our Nation.

“Your Excellency sir, our demand for inclusiveness is based on your campaign promise to make 35% available for women when you win the election,” noted the statement.

The Forum opined that in agreement with the zoning arrangement by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, a female contestant from the South East should be considered for the deputy speaker position.

“The APC National working committee has zoned the position of deputy speaker to the south east. Rt Hon Miriam Onuoha, is the only woman contesting this position in the 10th Assembly. Your Excellency, we call on you, the APC and all the members of the 10th Assembly to support her to emerge as the deputy Speaker of the house representative,” it added.