The Cross River State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Christopher Eta, has assured the Cross River State Women Lobby Group of his support in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
Rt. Hon. Chris Eta made the commitment during an advocacy visit by the group to his office at the APC Secretariat in Calabar.
The APC State Chairman noted that women are the backbone of society.
"Women are more reliable, trustworthy, and cohesive when it comes to elections," he said.
Rt. Hon. Eta stated that he has heard the cry of the women and would do his best to push for their request of 60% representation in the forthcoming elections. He noted that women are already carried along in appointive positions, courtesy of the "People First" Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and his dear wife.
The APC chairman, however, admonished that any woman coming out to contest must be ready to fight with the men in order to emerge, adding that all offices would be made available for the women. On that note, he assured the women of his support.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the team lead and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, congratulated the state APC chairman on his recent appointment and also commended the Cross River State Government for being gender sensitive, especially in appointive positions.
She, however, appealed that the "People First" mantra should be translated into action by bridging the gap of poor women's representation in governance, noting that there is only one woman against twenty-four men in the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Edema added that the focus should move from appointive to elective positions come 2027.
Also speaking, the state APC Women Leader, Hon. Monica Ugi, and her deputy expressed joy and excitement at the visit, noting that women have the capacity to deliver when given the opportunity.
They added that the only female legislator in the state Assembly is doing very well, and therefore appealed that more women be given the chance to serve.
They stressed that women are dogged when it comes to elections, and appealed for 60% women's representation in governance to bridge the age-long underrepresentation gap.
In a vote of thanks, the only female legislator, and member representing Yakurr II State Constituency, Hon. Dr. Mercy Akpama, appreciated the APC state chairman for having a gender-friendly executive and for granting the women an audience.
Hon. Akpama promised that the women would return to cement their appreciation when their prayers are answered.
Also present at the visit were members of the State Executive Council: Archbishop Prof. Margaret Ene-Ita, Eti Eka Laurencia Ita, Mrs. Abigail Duke, Mrs. Beatrice Igwe, Dr. Mrs. Helen Isamoh Egodo, former Secretary to the Government of Cross River State, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Stella Odey, leaders of women's groups, as well as female political aspirants, among others.
Rekpene Uket
