grounded Thursday as the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, led some
women groups, under the auspices of the Nigerian Council of Women
Societies (NCWS), to march for peace.
However, what was supposed to be a peace rally turned into a political
campaign as the women drummed up support for the yet-to-be-declared
re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The rally, which was tagged: "Celebration ofNigerian women for peace
and empowerment," created serious gridlock as security agents blocked
and diverted motorists away from some of the major routes in the
Federal Capital City (FCC).
All roads from Berger Junction, Central Business Area and the Federal
Secretariat complex were blocked for the special rally, which started
around 7am at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, as participants
marched through designated routes to the Eagle Square, venue of the
gathering.
The traffic snarl occasioned by the blockade of the routes spilled to
adjoining streets in the capital city as motorists made detours in a
bidto get to their destinations.
Also, other major routes within the capital city witnessed the traffic
snarl because of the earlier road show organised by officials of the
FCT Administration (FCTA) in Garki, Utako, Wuse and some parts of
Asokoro, which worsened the traffic situation in Abuja.
Amid the chaotic traffic, armed soldiers and policemen took their
positions at strategic road intersections, frisking commuters and
pedestrians to prevent any security breach.
To complement the activities of the ground troops, military
helicopters hovered over the venue of the rally; and sometimes, made
displays to add colour to the rally.
Although the rally was organised by the National Council for Women
Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady,
the presence of wives of governors of Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP)-led states, who led delegations of women from their states and
the display of slogan-bearing placards in support of Jonathan, led
credence to the speculation thatthe occasion was more of a campaign
rally to drum support for the president's 2015 ambition.
Campaign posters of the president were pasted on each truck used by
the women and some men.
Some of the inscriptions on the various banners displayed at the rally
read: "Thank you Mr President for 35 per cent women affirmation" and
"Thank you Mother of the Nation."
The event was attended by the wife of PDP National Chairman, Hajia
Fatima Tukur, former PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, state PDP
women leaders, faith-based organisations and associations of women
societies across the federation.
In addition, some PDP governors, first ladiesof South Africa and other
African countries were also in attendance.
Vice-President Namadi Sambo while addressing the gathering, lauded the
achievements of Jonathan in fulfilling the 35 per cent affirmative
action for women.
He said: "We have actively supported women in politics. We have
significantly increased the representation of women in government
appointments. We have fulfilled the 35 per cent affirmative action by
appointing women into key government positions.
"Our SURE-P targets over 500,000 women...and very soon, our women will
leadthe security agencies. The pivotal role of women in politics
cannot be ignored."
The first lady, in her address, called on women to contribute their
quota to nation building.
She said: "We note that when there is peace, there will be
development. We need collective effort to achieve peace. Age should
not be a limitation in bringing peace .
"Everyone must join hands with this administration to fulfil this. We
thank President Jonathan in not only making us tobe heard, but
ensuring that women occupy key positions in government.
"We also thank state governors who have ensured that our women are
appointed to key positions. Nigerian women must speak with one voice."
She challenged the leadership of the National Assembly to emulate the
president by increasing the number of female leaders in both chambers.
"I call on our lawmakers to ensure that the 35 per cent affirmative
action is implemented.We need to empower our women so that they can
contribute to nation building," she added.
Sambo's wife, Amina, also praised Nigerian women for their
contributions to national development over the years.
She praised Jonathan and his wife for their commitment towards women
development and empowerment.
Mrs. Sambo stressed that the Jonathan administration had shown
considerable confidence in the abilities of women to lift up Nigeria
and appealed to women to work for peace, emphasising that without
peace, development would be difficult to achieve.
The event was rounded off later in the day with dinner at the
International Conference Centre (ICC) where artistes such as Onyeka
Onwenu, Yinka Ayefele, Iyanya, Sani Danja and some Nigerian comedians
entertained guests.
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