The Safe Haven Women Group Abuja has demanded fair treatment for Mojisola Meranda, the speaker of the Lagos house of assembly.
Zainab Kassim, the group’s convener, spoke on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja.
Kassim said Meranda was duly elected and should not be treated as an appointee.
“Her election was based on merit as she was elected by over 30 members of the house,” Kassim said.
“Hence, she shouldn’t be treated as though she was just appointed, she was voted in.
“Honorable Mojisola Lasbat Meranda deserves the position that she currently holds as the speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly.”
The Lagos assembly impeached Mudashiru Obasa as speaker on January 13.
Meranda, then-deputy speaker, was subsequently elected as the first female speaker of the assembly.
‘HER ELECTION IS SIGNIFICANT FOR WOMEN’
Kassim said Meranda’s election represents a significant achievement for women and the Nigerian government.
“This has proven that anybody, any woman, can attain any leadership position regardless of their height, and this is very commendable,” Kassim said.
“However, there’s been information circulating on the media and in the news threatening her position, and this is very worrisome.
“Hence, we have gathered today as women, because if we decide to sit back and let this slide, every time that a woman attains a leadership position, her position will be threatened, and there’s a possibility of her getting overthrown by virtue of the fact that she is a woman.
“We are calling on everybody, government officials, leaders, political figures, civil societies, and the media to stand with her. Her position should not be questioned for any reason.
“We also appeal to those who have the power to make things right. This is a chance to show that Nigeria truly believes in fairness and equal positions and leadership for women.”
Kassim added that when one woman rises, she paves the way for others, so women must support Meranda to sustain progress. (The Cable)
