Female political office holders and members of different women groups in Kogi state took to the streets of Lokoja on Wednesday calling on Governor Yahaya Bello to throw his hat into the ring and contest the 2023 presidential election.
Led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, the women said Governor Bello has shown unprecedented support for women in the state, and they wish he can reciprocate same at the national level.
They called on the Governor to make himself available as a contestant for the presidential seat in 2023.
Ayoade said the women undertook the 10km peaceful solidarity walk through major streets in Lokoja through to the State Government House, to show the governor their seriousness about wanting him to contest.
She said they also chose the day as it marks the governors 5th year anniversary in office.
While presenting their letter of demand on behalf of other women, Ayoade noted that the women believed in a democracy where they were empowered to choose their own leader, stressing that the women believe the governor would be compelled to give a positive response to their demands if they took to the street.
She assured that Governor Bello remained committed to ensuring Nigeria’s enlistment amongst the great countries of the community of nations expressing that they looked forward to a favourable response from the governor in favour of their demand.
“We have decided to demand from the governor to join the 2023 presidential race through this peaceful walk. We can bear witness to all the good works of the governor’s administration which he has also continued to do for women as the place of women have been affirmed in Kogi.
“We want to translate this narrative to every part of the country, and we seek to similarly enlighten other compatriots to vote for his candidacy at the polls come 2023.
“Governor Bello has appointed a woman as ADC, SSG, HOS, Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Council leaders, 21 vice chairperson of local government areas and other positions numerous to mentioned and the only way we can reciprocate this gesture is to ask and beg him to contest the presidential election so that we can support him to win and continue his good work for the nation,” she said.
Responding, the Deputy Governor of the state, Edward Onoja who received the letter commended the women groups for their show of strength and love for Governor Bello and his adminstration, assuring that the letter will be delivered to the governor accordingly.
He urged them to commit the request to God, saying the presidency is a divine call.
Aside female political office holders, women in governmental and non governmental bodies, market women association, NAWOJ amidst others joined in the walk.
