Women have been assured of 50 percent more appointive positions in the administration of the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu.
Governor Otu gave the assurance at a reception organised by a group of notable women under the aegis Team Mma-Adiaha in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Otu, who said that his decision was to guarantee fairness and equity in his appointments, commended the women for organising the dinner to honour him and his wife, Eyoanwan.
He said: “I know that as we have started here, the sky is not even going to be the limit. Do not despair. They talk about 50 percent, we do not know how it will be. But, I can assure you it might be more than that.
“I believe that the women have shown their strength and in order to recognize, strengthen and encourage them, we must appreciate the level of hard work, which they have put in handsomely. Be rest assured that there would be more than enough for everybody. All we are begging at the moment is please, exercise some patience,” the governor pleaded.
Governor Otu assured the women and thousands of unemployed Cross River people of his determination to transform the socio-economic status of the State through the implementation of some strategic programmes, which would be unveiled soon.
“These are the ladies, who took the election to the next level in Cross River State. We have here women, who displayed uncommon bravery and it was through their catalytic demonstration that made us to be where we are today,” he said.
He acknowledged that there was heightened expectation from the people, affirming “we must not fail them.”
In her remark, the governor’s wife, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu praised the women for the honour accorded the governor and promised to push for a fair representation of women in the new administration.
Mrs. Otu reminded the governor that a promise was a debt, which she expressed confidence in the ability of Senator Otu to fulfill by ensuring women achieve the desired 50 percent appointive positions.
She said, “you promised them 50 percent inclusion in your administration. I know you are a good man, kind-hearted, a beautiful soul and you always honour your words. I am confident that you will keep to your promise and do even more for our women because a deal is a deal.”
Speaking earlier, the coordinator of the group, Mrs. Uduak Efem said that the group was founded a year ago to support the ambition of the governor, which she described as a dream realised.
Confidence Okwuchi
