‘Yes, We Trained You’ — Makarfi Tells Buhari’s Minister As She Visits PDP

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Ahmed Makarfi, has received many dignitaries, including Jummai Alhassan, minister of women affairs and social development, at the Wadata plaza headquarters of the opposition party.

According to Punch, Makarfi told his guest that he was proud of her exploits and that he was not surprised because she was trained and brought up by the PDP.

“I am not very surprised that you are doing well because you were trained and brought up by the PDP,” he was quoted to have said.

Makarfi also expressed support for the enactment of a law for the gender parity in politics and participation in governance.

He told women to be ready to pay for nomination forms instead of waiting to be asked to pick them free by political parties.

“If it is in compliance with the law, everybody will comply, but if you leave it flexible, it is an escapist route. Forget about the nomination form, pay and get the ticket. Let us do the right thing,” he said.

He called for legislation backing the 35 per cent affirmative action on women participation in politics and government in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Earlier, the minister urged parties to adopt a policy of voluntary electoral party gender quota system to ensure more participation of the womenfolk in politics and governance.

“Although the Nigerian constitution guarantees equality for everyone in all spheres, women have not enjoyed this constitutional right,” she said.