OPEN LETTER TO;
HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR HOPE UZODIMMA, CON.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
OWERRI IMO STATE.
Dear Governor.
IMO LG ELECTION:
THE NEED TO STOP GENDER DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FEMALE ASPIRANTS AND IMPLEMENT 35% AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN FOR WOMEN.
We are respectfully writing to bring to His Excellency’s attention a treacherous matter pertaining to the upcoming Imo Local Government elections.
As we prepare for the elections, we want to humbly urge His Excellency to address the issue of gender discrimination against female aspirants and ensure the implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action Plan for Women.
Women in Imo State face significant barriers in participating in politics, including gender bias, lack of funding, and limited access to resources. This has resulted in underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, perpetuating inequality and hindering inclusive decision-making.
One of the aspirants whose participation in the forthcoming LGA elections and whose presence is unsettling many is *Barr. Mrs Ogechi Njoku-Ehirim, the immediate past SOLAD of Aboh Mbaise LGA.*
Her brilliant performance as a SOLAD continues to intimidate many and keeps attracting for her supports and encomiums, from far and near.
Her political opponents have incredulously resorted to gender discrimination and campaign of calumny against her, on the grounds she is married to Ikeduru LGA and harassing her to forcefully step down, thereby undermining her inalienable Constitutional rights to contest election from her places of birth or marriage, as provided in the CFRN, as the Grundnorm.
To adequately address this malaise, SAVE IMO for public interest request that your administration continues to take concrete steps to:
1. Ensure equal opportunities for female aspirants in the selection and election processes.
2. Provide support for women aspirants and candidates.
3. Implement the 35% Affirmative Action Plan for Women, as stipulated in the National Gender Policy.
Your Excellency, By taking these measures, you will promote gender equality, increase women’s participation in politics, and strengthen democracy in Imo State.
We look forward to seeing His Excellency’s continued commitment to addressing gender discrimination and promoting inclusive governance.
Signed.
For SAVE IMO
Nze Ebubeagu Ekenulo
Activist,Convener.
Henry Christopher
Head, Media & Publicity.