WOMEN AND THEIR AGITATION FOR THE POSITION OF THE PRESIDENT IN NIGERIA, THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Nigerian women as far as politics of the 21^st century is concerned still have a very bright future. Suffice it to say that the men have been in power for 42 years and it is a political life plays a pivotal role in the general process of the advancement of women. Today women are found in big establishment competing with the male folk for the most important positions. Not only have Nigeria women occupied some sensitive positions in every fact of human endeavours; they should start lobbying for every sphere of government to ensure that the affirmative becomes a reality. It is for the benefit of all that we support our women to actively participate in public affairs. So equitable and sustainable development can better take place when women participate fully in all spheres of the society.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Certification                                                           ii

Dedication                                                             iii

Acknowledgement                                                  iv

Abstract                                                                v

Table of contents                                                    vi

CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction                                                1
2. Background of the study                            1
3. Statement of problems                              3
4. Objectives of the study                              5
5. Research questions                                   7
6. Significance of the study                            7
7. Scope of the study                                    7
8. Limitations of the study                             8
9. Definition of terms                                    9

CHAPTER TWO

• Literature Review                                      12
  • Introduction                                             12

Reference

CHAPTER THREE

• Research design and methodology                     20
• Introduction                                             20
• Research design                                        20
• Sources/Methods of data collection                    21
• Presentation and sample size                      21
• Sample techniques                                    22
• Validity and reliability of measuring

Instrument                                              22

• Method of date analysis                             23

CHAPTER FOUR

• Presentation and analysis of data                24  
• Introduction                                             24
• Presentation of data                                         24
• Analysis of data                                        33
• Interpretation of results                             34

CHAPTER FIVE

• Summary, conclusion and recommendation  36
• Introduction                                             36
• Summary of findings                                 36  
• Conclusion                                               37
• Recommendations                                    38

References                                               40

Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0  INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Nigeria women as far as politics of the 21^st century is concerned still have very bright future suffice it to say that the men have been in power for 42 years and it is a welcome development therefore that women equal participation in political life plays a pivotal role in the general process of the advancement of women.

Gone are the days when women were relegated to inferior position in the society. When they were only meant to stay at home rear children and take care of them. When they were only meant to do the domestic chores and gossip over one another. Today, the reverse is the case, women are now found in big establishments, competing with their male folk for the most important position. Some are even acting as bosses in the small establishment where there spouse are working. Nigeria women today have proved their worth in all areas human endeavour. Take for instance, some women are bank managers, chair persons of some professional bodies and management. An example is Mrs. Odili, the wife of River state governor, she is the president and founder of the Adolescent project. Another example is Mrs. Buajoko Kuforidi, who was at one tome appointed the chair person River basin development Authority, this is an indicator that women are capable of making big establishment, they do not just go there to embezzle public funds rather, they utilize it in a more meaningful way. Infact, there is no position where the women cannot fit in properly be it in legal profession, they are becoming senior advocated of Nigeria (SAN) a position firmly reserved for men, not only that women now sit as presiding judge in high courts.

Politically, women are making waves, the time has therefore come when men should recognize the contributions of women in National development and step aside to give women chance to sit at the presidential villa.

• STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

Obviously, there are factors militating against the bid for a woman president in Nigeria. In carrying out this work, several problems are dishonesty in Nigeria politics such as rigging of election.

It was identified that women politicians lack money to finance their campaigns, the socio-culture for women to take enough money to cope with the commercial nature of Nigerian politics. They can’t win juicy contracts as men do.

Women find it difficult to participate actively in the activities and meetings of political parties, especially if married and their spouse are politicians for this reason, they cannot move fast on the political leader and very often settle foe women’s wing of the political parties which there male folk use together to vote for themselves. If ever they move up the leader, they are appointed to the post of treasurer, because the men want safe custody of their funds.

Women politicians lack political guardianship. Therefore, runners were not interested in handling over the batton to up coming ends and the breads are not willing to step up to conquer, ironically, some women carry a large than life image while others want the world to stop whenever they are around.

Women mode of dressing are also a problem, those who dress flamboyantly irrespective of the nature of an occasion perceived negatively. Even, the women folk refuse to vote for such women, thinking that if they are to be in presidential position, they will think more of their wardrobes that the welfare of the people. Besides, the society deliberately refuse to see the good side of few women who have ventured into politics.

As a result of the age long idea of isolating women from politics, there have been political apathy among women in Nigeria. They are seen as indisciplined burdens who want to cope up for what the solace marriage has failed to offer them.It is also observed that the media in it’s agenda setting role, have not treated women fairly. Many of their achievements are over looked and if at all mentioned are tuked away inside the pages only their anti-social involvements are over blown. Apart from lack of fund, it was also noted that women politicians cannot be completely solved, to solve these problems, Nawas said in his communiqué that there should be a forum comprising journalism and female negative images, as well as erase stereo type about women. It was also recommended that Nawod, Philanthropists political parties and gender-sensitive non-governmental organizations should set up a fund for female politicians to make them equal stake holders in political parties.