…expresses delight over political awareness in Nigeria.
…applauds NASS on Electoral Reforms Process.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has canvassed for active participation of women and the youths in the governance of the country especially through the ongoing electoral reforms by giving them beyond the 35% affirmation.
Describing women and youths as critical in any electoral process, Governor Fubara said these important segments of the society should be encouraged to play pivotal roles in democratic transitions as they are the ones that vote during elections.
The Governor who made the disclosure at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday while addressing members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on a zonal engagement on Electoral Reforms in Port Harcourt, on a courtesy visit, called on Nigerians to be vigilant against any mistake that may set the striving democratic process adrift.
“We are in a very trying time in our country, trying because, I believe if we make any mistakes at this time, all the good works we have done will be forgotten and we will start afresh. This is because political awareness and involvement today isn’t like what we used to see 10 or 20 years ago.”
“Everybody now understands that political involvement is the key to a better and developed state. Everybody wants to be part of the system, from the LGAs, State and federal level. I’m happy that we’re doing this at the moment.”
The governor applauded the National Assembly over its ongoing reforms to enhance the participation of women in electoral processes and addressing electoral issues in difficult terrain.
“Taking up this delicate and sensitive subject to work on shows that NASS is starting to understand and feel the pulse of our people.”
He also expressed delight over the level of political awareness in the country, stating that such level of mass participation in governance is the key to a better and developed state, and urged the National Assembly to come out with a framework that will empower the constitution to protect the interests of women and tackle the challenges associated with elections in difficult terrains.
“I believe strongly that women are better, it’s a bit difficult to manipulate women, they should be encouraged to be part of the reforms and governance of this country. Let me assure you that we are a government that understands the importance of opportunities when given, and we also know what it means to give people opportunities. So, I assure you that whatever recommendations that come out of your deliberations, Rivers State will implement it first.”
Sir Fubara who restated the commitment of his administration towards ensuring peace and development in the state, urged the NASS members to be ambassadors of Rivers State by projecting the warmth and hospitality enjoyed in Rivers State to the nation at large.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli who led the delegation thanked Governor Fubara for his warmth reception, stating that the Committee was in Port Harcourt in continuation of its zonal engagements in respect of the proposed amendment of the 2022 electoral act, which has some flaws to be addressed in order to strengthen the country’s democratic process.
He pointed out that it is important for the people to be involved in the law making process for them to have confidence in the electoral process, noting that issues such as BIVAS challenges, continuous voters registration, settling of electoral disputes among others were key in the discourse.
The Chairman commended women from the South-South region for their active participation in the deliberations.
– Gist Report