By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—SECRETARY of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, South-South geopolitical zone, Princess Philomena Ihenyen, has advised male politicians in the country not to treat with apprehension and suspicion, women’s participation in politics but rather welcome them in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, to raise human development to a higher pedestal.

Ize-Iyamu, Onaiwu, Edebiri and Iduriyekemwen

She said that throughout history, women have shown their patriotism and unwavering commitment to the spirit of cooperation, solidarity a promotion of human dignity and common good of all.

Mrs. Ihenyen, at a lecture organized by the Independent Television, Benin, Edo State, listed Queen Amina of Zaria, Queen Idia of Benin, Indira Gandhi of India, Mrs. Olufumilayo Kuti, Golda Meir of Israel, Margaret Thatcher of Britain, Mrs. Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Mrs. Hilary Clinton, among others, as women who, through their participation in politics, brought development to mankind.

She stated that the Edo woman in politics, therefore, has a rich legacy at the local and international levels from which to draw inspiration, courage and experience, adding that buoyed by the advantage of technology, particularly the ICT, women hope to build up their political strength relying on the invincible powers of cooperation, solidarity, unity and coalition to project themselves for equitable and high stakes in politics.

She added that Edo women had paid their dues in their unwavering commitment and silent support to their party over the years unlike their male folks who frolic from one party to another, shopping for material advantage.

She noted that since the advent of the 4th Republic in 1999, the struggle for women representation in politics was not just by women alone, saying: “When will the Nigerian woman politician be recognised on her own merit to vie for legislative and executive offices at the highest level, as now happens in the judiciary?

“When shall a level playing field come to be in the Nigeria’s political terrain, that women politician will be motivated to dare on their own to seek election to any office of their choice without looking over their shoulders to a looming male shadow?”