TheCable

Zainab Abiola, a widow of Moshood Abiola, presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that there is more participation of women in politics and governance.

Abiola spoke at a luncheon for women groups in Abuja as part of the activities to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day anniversary.

The event was organised by the Akasooba Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ACPCR) — an organisation she founded.

While speaking at the event, she said women were in the frontline of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence.

“We are gathered here today to acknowledge the role some of our women played in the frontline of the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence,” Clarence Jen, her secretary, quoted her as saying in a statement.

“Even pre-Independence Queens like Queens Sambassa of Bonny, Amina of Zazzau, Daurama of Daura should not be forgotten or airbrushed out of history as they battled creditably as foremost nationalists who forfeited the comfort of their homes and palaces to champion the cause of Nigeria’s liberation from colonial rule.

“So many great Nigerian women were trailblazers who were very active and supportive in the pre and post independence struggle of Nigeria.

“It may interest you to know that the first three authentic women who came out boldly and fully participated in the option A4 democratic elections under Babangida’s regime were Tokunbo Awolowo representing the west, Hannatu Chollom representing the north and Queen Zainab Abiola representing the entire south-south and eastern Nigeria.

“These three women won the elections and Babangida annulled it.

“In order to honour the amazons of our pre and post independence struggle, I call on President Buhari to push for a legislation on affirmative action to ensure a more inclusive, more tangible participation of women in our nascent democracy.

“This should also be extended to cabinet positions in any government that will be elected henceforth in Nigeria.”