A coalition of Plateau State women and youths groups has procured the All Progressives Congress Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, for the Plateau South Senatorial District seat.
On behalf of the groups, Felicia Bala presented the two forms to President Muhammadu Buhari’s Minister on Saturday.
She said the groups met and decided to procure the form without her knowledge to encourage her run for the seat.
Bala said her records and commitment to the development of women and children prompted the move.
Also, Juliana Soklam, representing Langtang North, expressed appreciation to the Minister for her support to widows and less privileged in the state and nation at large.
Anthonia Homkwap, described the minister as a dynamic woman and supporter of women at the grassroots level.
Hajiya Amina Adamu-Gyanba, representing Wase Local Government Area, reiterated commitment of women and youths towards achieving success in the 2023 election.
Youth Leader, Nanzing Nanle, while commending the minister for her supports to youths in the state, assured her of continued support towards getting the senatorial seat.
While receiving the form, Tallen said that Nigerian women were faced with many challenges and stressed the need for more women representatives in governance.
She said that it was only when women were involved in politics that the issues of women and children could be tackled.
She said: “Women have suffered enough and they are still suffering because we have no voice.
“The number of women in the National Assembly is like a drop in the sea.
“We succeeded in having one voice there, but, unfortunately, there have been terrible threats to her life and that has made her to withdraw.
“My plan and prayers is to ensure we retain that seat and for any man who wants to displace a woman, the few we have is unacceptable.
“What you have done is a big surprise to me.
“I have been under pressure.
“I had no plans until when it was clear that our sitting senator was not ready to return.
“I call for your prayers to salvage our senatorial zone, save our children, our state and nation at large.
“We have been praying and advocating for more women to be added to the few we have in the National Assembly.”
Tallen reiterated her commitment towards uplifting women and addressing their challenges at the local, state and national level.
She said: “It is time for a call to action.
“I sincerely appreciate you all and by the grace of God we will succeed and I will never fail you.”
Our Correspondent reports that Civil Society Organisations and leaders representing LGAs in the senatorial zone were also present at the event.
