The issue of endorsement continued during the week as the Women for National Rebirth unequivocally endorse the candidacy of Chief Willie Obiano of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
In an official statement, signed by Mrs. Barong Moffat, the group’s National Coordinator, and Mrs. Esther Dalang, the National Publicity Secretary, WNR said, “We have perused Willie Obiano’s 10-point agenda, 4-Cs programme of Continue, Complete, Commission and Commencement of new projects vis-à-vis Governor Peter Obi’s gender friendly progressive governance and have no doubt that Obiano will exceed Obi’s achievements if he emerges governor in the forthcoming poll. The era of godfatherism, hooliganism, fascism and kidnapping of a sitting governor is over. It is a new dawn, Nigerian women are set to participate in politics and national leadership to achieve national rebirth that will put Nigeria on the path of rectitude and growth ahead of 2014 centenary celebration.”
The group also took a stand in other national issues: “Women for National Rebirth demands for a Sovereign National Conference in place of President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed national dialogue which resolutions will be ratified by the National Assembly. It is obvious that the National Assembly is not gender friendly and cannot be trusted to ratify women related issues including 40% affirmative action, girl-child education policy, opposition to child marriage, child labour, implementation of Child Rights Acts, violence against women, women trafficking, among others, the group will canvass for in a sovereign national conference.
“The recent obnoxious consideration of child marriage by the Senate is a classical expression of male chauvinism and machismo. It is unfair, unjust and unacceptable in our collective quest at building a decent egalitarian society.
Women for National Rebirth warns politicians against heating up the polity ahead of 2015 presidential election. President Jonathan should not be distracted from his constitutional responsibilities by unpatriotic elements masquerading as democrats. National interest should override partisan politics. Accordingly, we support Jonathan’s re-election bid with the understanding that he will choose a woman as a running mate. We call on Nigerian women to wake up and be counted in the long march to national rebirth.
“Women for National Rebirth frowns at the elongated ASUU strike and urge the Federal Government and the academic Union to shift grounds with a view to resolving the quagmire in the interest of the suffering students. As mothers we feel the pains of the students as well as the lecturers and understand the Federal Government’s financial constraint; and call for a truce.
“We commend efforts by security agents in the war against Boko Haram and other insurgencies in the country. We urge the Federal Government to adequately equip all security agencies to enable them control crime to the barest minimum.
Women for National Rebirth is alarmed by the high rate of unemployment in the country which has led our youths to various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, and prostitution. Governments at all levels should take appropriate actions to employ these youths to avoid disgruntled politicians using them to rig elections and foment trouble in the country. A stitch in time saves nine.
We enjoin Federal and States Ministry of Women Affairs and Local Government Councils to work out monthly welfare materials to motherless babies homes across the country. The need to maintain these babies cannot be overemphasized. It is a service to God and humanity.
“There cannot be a national rebirth without a spiritual rebirth. We urge Nigerians to be prayerful, turn from evil and do the will of God always. We are optimistic that Nigeria shall be great. The election of Nigeria into United Nations Security Council seat is a pointer that the nation will overcome its challenges and honoured in the comity of nations. Together we shall build a strong, virile, and decent democratic society.”