As early as 7am last Sunday, the rough and dusty road of Kabba became very busy with vehicles from all walks of life particularly from Lokoja, the Kogi State capital plying the route through Okoro Gbede, Aiyetoro Gbede, among others.

The large presence of women in President Jonathan’s government cannot be attributed to moves to meeting the Beijing’s women declaration in China which sought 35% affirmative action in both elective and appointive positions.

No doubt, some of the women ministers flaunt impeccable credentials and have distinguished themselves in their chosen career. They had brought their long years of professional competence to bear on governance, though, not without some brushes with their male counterparts and”authority that be.”

Women’s participation both in politics and governance, predates the Beijing’s Conference. In the developed nations, women President and Ministers have emerged. But in Africa, traditional and religious barriers still stand as bulwark in the realisation of the 35% affirmative action in both elective and appointive positions in Nigeria and by extension Africa. CHARLES ADINGUPU attempts a review of women ministers in President Jonathan’s cabinet.

HE had once posited: “Here in Northern Nigeria we have people of many different races, tribes and religions who are knitted together to common history, common interest and common ideas, the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us. I always remind people of our firmly rooted policy of religious tolerance.