By Gift Samuel, The Sight News
Abuja-Women from the North Central states of Nigeria, have expressed worry over the trend of violence in the North Central states which has led to the displacement of millions of people especially women and children.
Briefing Newsmen on Friday in Abuja at the North Central Zonal Press Conference, the Executive Director, Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Priscilla Achakpa said that the clamour for separation by various regions has increased agitation for a divided Nigeria, adding that it is worrisome to women and mothers.
According to her; “the trend of violence in North Central States has changed, extremist activities of Boko Haram sect, bomb blasts and carefully planned massacres have become common place in North Central States.
“The women of North Central states are saying enough is enough. We are tired of violent conflicts, we are tired of being marginalized, we are tired that our children are being killed and we want to see female representations at all levels in the North Central and at Federal Character”.
She further stressed that the women are not begging for equal representation in government, but are demanding for it as it is their rights.
On her part,the North Central Coordinator for the 100 women Lobby Group, Anne Addeh, noted that the threat by the Arewa youths to the Igbos to vacate the North come October 1, 2017 has led to people being conscious of their environment and so have decided to stay in their houses on Independence day, emphasizing that the women will go out with their white blouses to campaign for peace.
While speaking on the call for restructuring springing from every quarter, she said, “the present situation is unfortunate and I am calling on the government to look at the issue of restructuring, let government have a round table on restructuring. I read that APC is calling for a memoranda, APC is a political party and not the government of Nigeria.
“We want the Federal government of Nigeria to be the one anchoring the process of restructuring agenda and not APC” she stressed.
Also, the Convener, Naija Women Decide, Barr. Omotese Egbefo called on the government to come out on October 1, to make a definite statement regarding the present situation of the country and how they will revamp the economy.
In her words, “the government should use that day to state how they are going to put an end to this incessant war and crises going on in various part of the country. The issue of herdsmen, Boko haram and IPOB”.
She emphatically said that the government should address the problems by bringing up definite, lasting and sustainable solutions as she called on all those involved in running the affairs of the country, directly or indirectly to redouble their efforts.
The women also called on all women as well as those in the diaspora to engage in the #WhiteBlouseDay by putting up pictures of themselves on their social media handles come October. 1, to show that they want a peaceful environment and an end to blood shed.
