By Favour Afunanya
The emergence of Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru as the deputy governorship candidate to Governor Hope Uzodimma in the forthcoming November 11th election has been described as one that would facilitate progress and development of the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Uzodimma on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu stated this in statement availed to The Guardian on Tuesday.
According to him, "the choice of Ekomaru shows Governor Uzodimma's genuine commitment to equality and diversity, and will bring a unique perspective and experience into governance of the state."
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He also maintained that it address the problem of imbalance and under-representation of women in politics of the state as well as clear the wrong impression that women are limited to cheerleading in governance.
He said, "the Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma have made sure that Imo women are no longer limited to cheerleading in governance.
"Despite women constituting the majority of the population and, traditionally, the biggest number of voters, major candidates in the upcoming November 11th governorship election have largely ignored the women, but not so for Governor Uzodimma.
"Having a female deputy governor is another symbol of progress. It shows that Governor Uzodimma is genuinely committed to equality and diversity."
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He continued, "Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru as deputy governor will bring her unique perspective and experience to the table, which will eventually lead to further value additions in policy decisions.
"The place of women in the Uzodimma administration is not just on paper nor is it to sing and dance. The reality on the ground is that the role of women in politics has been greatly enhanced by the Governor through major cabinet appointments and other placements.
"Women have been elbowed out and squeezed out of the political arena by opposition political parties in Imo State. For the opposition, political leadership is a preserve of rich men only. This deprivation is now being addressed by Governor Uzodimma."
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In a related development, a women organization in the state, "Assembly of Imo Women in Politics", have congratulated Uzodimma for choosing Mrs Ekomaru as his running mate.
Mrs. Ngozi Umunnakwe who who spoke on behalf of the women condemned the non-inclusion of women by the major opposition parties in the state for the upcoming poll.
They described it as a “slap in the face,” and concluded to throw their support behind Uzodimma as a way to demonstrate their determination to see women occupy top seats in leadership positions of the state.
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