2024 Rivers LG Election: Ex-Female Presidential Candidate Congratulates Women in Rivers State
Ayo Ola
The Presidential Candidate of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) in 2019 and a member of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, congratulated the female community of Rivers State following the successful local government election of Saturday 5th October, 2024.
This is contained in her statement on Sunday.
The statement read:
We would recall earlier during the LG campaign that, a female body known as, Rivers Women Unite Organization (RWUO) had sent a campaign clarion call to the entire female community in all Local Governments in the State pleading, “Arise women of Rivers State! Let’s assert our rightful place in governance so that together, we can make our State a better place for all.
“Remember Saturday, October 5, 2024 is the D-day, let’s come out en-masse and vote at the Local Government elections! We urge all female voters to stand together and support APP as a liberation vehicle. This is in sync with our determination for the emancipation of Rivers women. A party that has two (2) female chairmanship candidates and twenty one (21) female vice chairman candidates is what we need.
“By voting for the APP, the party with the Elephant logo (Gwo Gwo Gwo ngwo), in this LG election, we’re voting for inclusive representation of the females, progress, and empowerment. We’re voting for a brighter future for ourselves, our families, our children, our youths and our communities. Also remember, the new National anthem, “Nigerians all are proud to serve, our sovereign MOTHERLAND!” APP is well constituted, the party has two (2) female chairmanship candidates and twenty one (21) female vice chairman candidates.
Prof. Mrs. Adesanya-Davies remarks that, “The election marks a new beginning, not only in Rivers LGs, but in all the States in Nigeria and in the nation,” adding that, “The pattern and results of the polls that, APP a party with Women Vices won twenty two (22) chairmanship seats out of 23 seats in Rivers shows that, at last the mothers in the land have woken up to their responsibilities from their sleep and slumber to save and rescue the nation from the grassroot!” She therefore calls on all women and all the He-for-She in the nation to take all responsibility, catch the fire and join the trail as Rivers State had brazed the trail.
In a similar development, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has stated that, in the said election, “The people of Rivers State made history by trooping out en masse to participate in the Local Government election. This remarkable display of civic duty has brought peace and prosperity to the state and country at large, reaffirming the principles of democracy. The success of this election is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Rivers State citizens to democratic values. Despite past challenges, they have proven that their voices will be heard, and their choices will shape the future. This triumph is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“In a true democracy, the conduct of elections is the lifeblood of governance. It empowers citizens to decide and elect leaders who will serve their interests. The election has demonstrated that Rivers State citizens are eager to exercise this fundamental right. The significance of local government elections cannot be overstated. They provide an opportunity for citizens to elect representatives who understand local needs and concerns. By participating in these elections, citizens can influence decisions that impact their daily lives, from infrastructure development to social services.
“The people of Rivers State have sent a powerful message that, they will no longer be silenced or marginalized. They demand accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This collective resolve has given the country hope for a better National election. Today’s achievement is a tribute to the resilience and determination of Rivers State citizens. It is a testament to their unwavering faith in democracy and its potential to transform lives.
“We salute the women’s stride, courage and commitment in Rivers State because your action today has:
• Strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
• Inspired hope for a brighter future.
• Demonstrated the power of collective action.
• Set a precedent for future elections in the entire nation.
Adesanya-Davies concludes with Poems titled: Arise, oh women in Nigeria our Motherland!
Arise, oh women in Nigeria our Motherland,
From the Niger Delta to the Savannah’s sand,
From Yoruba’s ancient walls to Hausa’s land,
From Igbo’s eastern hills to the nation’s stand,
Arise, oh women, take your rightful hand.
Rise from the ashes of oppression and pain,
Break free from chains that bound you in vain,
Your voices silenced, no more, it’s time to claim,
Your rights, your freedom, your dignity’s name
In politics, economy, and education’s sphere,
Take lead, innovate, and wipe away tears
From market stalls to boardrooms, make your mark
Empower each other, leave no sister in the dark.
Motherhood’s strength, nurturing and kind,
Transfer to nation-building
leave behind,
A legacy of hope, a brighter day
For children, communities, in every way.
Arise, oh women, Nigeria’s future is yours,
Craft policies, bridge gaps, end poverty’s scars,
In unity and solidarity, stand tall
And lift our motherland, one and all.
Your resilience, like a river’s flow
Unstoppable, ever-growing, as you grow
Inspiring generations yet to come,
A new Nigeria, where all are equal, and one.
Rise, dear women, and take the lead
Our motherland’s redemption, we eagerly need,
Together, let’s build a brighter day
For Nigeria, our home, where love will stay.
Arise, oh women in Nigeria our Motherland!
She also added another Poem titled:
“A Call to Action: Nigerian Women Arise!”
Nigerian women, hear the call,
Rise up, unite, and stand tall!
From South to North, East to West,
Join hands, and let your voices be blessed.
Break free from shackles of the past,
Shatter glass ceilings, and forever last.
In education, politics, and entrepreneurship too,
Make your mark, and see Nigeria anew.
With strength and resilience, you abide,
Nurturing families, communities side by side.
Now, take the lead, and shape the fate,
Of our beloved nation, create!
Innovate, inspire, and educate,
Empower each other, don’t hesitate.
From markets to boardrooms, make your presence known,
And bring about change, long overdue, now grown.
Women of Nigeria, your time is now,
Arise, and take your rightful place, somehow.
Let unity and solidarity be your guide,
And together, build a brighter Nigeria, side by side.
Your voices matter, your votes count too,
Demand justice, equality, and all anew.
For a better tomorrow, start today,
Nigerian women, arise, and seize the way!