Struggle for political power, Wike tells women

Nigerian women have been advised to struggle for political power, rather than expect that men will bequeath power to them on a platter of gold.

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike gave the advice during the Women’s Day of the Rivers Golden Jubilee Celebration in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Governor Wike said that nobody is stopping women from excelling in the political arena, pointing out that women must work for their political emancipation.

He said: “When it comes to power, you have to struggle for it. If you are prepared for politics, you must equip yourself “.

The governor urged women not to beg for positions. He said they should set up structures that would help them get political mileage.

He however, assured Rivers women that he would continue to work for their development and growth in all spheres of life.

The governor announced that his administration would construct a women development centre with all facilities to empower Women.

Former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan declared that Governor Wike had worked hard to empower Rivers women.

Dame Jonathan said Rivers women would remain grateful to Governor Wike for giving them political and professional leverage.

She said that the governor’s choice of female deputy governor and the appointment of the first female Chief Judge and President of Customary Court of Appeal ensured that Rivers women took their pride of place in politics.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike described her husband as a women-friendly governor who is implementing policies and programmes to uplift women.

Justice Nyesom-Wike said the Women’s Day is set aside to honour women for their contributions to the creation and growth of the state.

While saying that efforts to empower Women must be strengthened, Justice Nyesom-Wike noted that women have attained positions of responsibility, not envisaged before.