Lawmaker laments low women participation in politics

Victor Akinkuolie Ado-Ekiti
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A lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Constituency II at the National Assembly Mr. Wumi Ogunlola has lamented low level of women representation in political office.

Ogunlola said despite fierce battles that had been waged to ensure gender balancing in every facet of appointments in the country, low level of women representation in the 9th national assembly was recorded in the last general elections.

The one term member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, said going by the configuration of the state and federal houses of assemblies, the issue of gender inequality was still deeply entrenched in the country.

The lawmaker bemoaned the only 10 female members of the House of Representatives out of 360, also lamented that there are not more than six female Senators out of 109.

She urged women to always come out to fill both executive and legislative positions, saying, ” I expect my sisters come out and aspire to position of authority as a lawyer and a democrat I know that it is our legitimate right to seek this, we  have every right like our male counterparts to become legislators, governor and even presidents.

“Although, this goes beyond just seeking positions you must also make yourself relevant, people will rate you according to your activities and usefulness in the society and the will also determine the assignment that will be entrusted into your hands.”

The female lawmaker made this revelation on Tuesday at Ijero Ekiti while speaking with newsmen on his vision and mission for his constituents.

She had earlier held a thansksgiving on Sunday at the Diocece of of Ekiti West, Emmanuel Anglican Church , Ijero Ekiti to mark her inauguration as a member of the House.

 Ogunlola promised to make the electorates the focus of his tenure in office.

The lawmaker who was a member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, said that she was humbled by the decision of the people to entrust her with their mandate.

She said: “I was a member of the State House of Assembly and now, I have been given a position of higher authority because of this, I am more than ready to justify their trust in me. I owe the present position to God and my people and I must not let them down.

“The least I can do is to give them quality representation and make sure they enjoy the dividends of democracy, that is what my people expect from me I pray God to strengthen in order to meet their yearnings and aspirations.”

Ogunlola expressed confidence in the leadership of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the speaker of the Ninth House of Representatives.

According to her, the new speaker is a man of experience, who climbed every rung of the ladder to master the nitty gritty of the leadership in the National Assembly.

She also added that the present National Assembly will be the best in the history of the country.

She stated, ” If you see the calibre of the present members of the legislators, you will agree with me that this are the people who are determined to take our country to the next level, a level that will turn our country to a nation we can all be proud of “.