The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured the citizens of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s unbending resolve to inject and as well elevate more women in politics and governance in the second term of his administration to bolster their relevance in the scheme of things.
The Ekiti’s number two citizen, gave the assurance in Ikere Ekiti, while receiving the two APC House of Assembly aspirants, Mrs Kemisola Ogunleye and Hon Olasunkanmi Owolabi, who were affirmed by APC members in the two state constituencies in Ikere Local Government during the primary held in the council, on Wednesday.
Addressing the women politicians, fondly called BAO/ MCA Lady, who came on a solidary and thank you visit on the unopposed emergence of Mrs Kemisola Ogunleye in constituency I, Mrs Afuye assured that the governor is incurably committed to elevating more women in politics, if given the lever of power by electorate in the June 20 poll.
She said gone were the days when women were being muzzled and neglected in politics and administration, saying the current government has brought a new order and demonstrated capacity, by offering womenfolk the leverage to occupy plum positions across the board .
The Deputy Governor stated that Governor Oyebanji surpassed the five percent affirmative action that specified 35% of positions for women in governance, assuring that the tally shall surely soar in the second term of his boss’ administration.
Mrs Afuye lauded the Ekiti women for their contributions to the development of the state and the stability of the Governor Oyebanji’s administration, describing Ekiti as being lucky to have women of substance who could contribute tremendously to state building and its all- round progress.
Besides promoting their political and relevance, Mrs Afuye vowed that nobody will be allowed to subjugate their voices, nor infringe on their rights as pivotal components of the society.
She appealed to them not to get wearied in their backing for Governor Oyebanji, despite negative and sarcastic commentaries against women that are actively involved in politics.
“There was nothing they won’t say against you. Some will make negative comments against you, it is sure. They have been saying it before and they will continue to say it. But don’t get tired in your support for Governor Oyebanji.
“When you started this BAO/MCA group in 2022, there was nothing they didn’t say against you. Some called you mere singers and some said you will labour in vain. Today, Governor Oyebanji had proven those haters wrong.
“You will have one representative in the House of Assembly in 2027 by the grace of God. Many of you have secured government jobs. Many had been offered political appointments at the local government level. You can see that things are gradually changing for better for our women.
“One thing is certain and you can be rest assured of, Governor Oyebanji will promote more women in politics and governance in his second term. This is certain. Presently, women are enjoying good representation, but the future will be far better”.
Mrs Afuye applauded Ikere APC members for the peaceful conduct of the primary in the two constituencies and for adhering strictly to the consensus arrangements proposed by the party.
“The fact that we agree to that consensus arrangements in the two constituencies shows that we are solidly united here in Ikere Ekiti. It showed that the APC as a ruling party remains the best among the existing political parties in this state and even our country.
“I am happy that you have done us proud. Even the party is proud of you”.
