The Alliance for Deepening Democracy (A4DD) has called upon recently Elected State Governors to prioritize Gender Equity in the formation of Executive Councils within their respective States.
The Organization also stressed the Importance of addressing other Inclusion gaps by appointing Representatives from Marginalized groups such as Youths and Individuals with disabilities to Serve as Commissioners.
The Alliance urged Governors who have not yet appointed their Commissioners to take Swift action in light of the Deadline outlined in Section 192(6) of the amended 1999 Constitution.
This Section specifies that the Nomination of a Commissioner for confirmation by the State House of Assembly must be done within sixty days of the Governor’s Oath of Office.
Expressing this in Abuja, the Alliance commended Governors who had Adhered to the Constitutional deadline by submitting Nominees for Commissioner Appointments.
However, it expressed concern about its findings from a Study on Commissioners’ appointments across various States.
The study revealed a recurring Pattern of Gender Disparities and Imbalances in the lists of Nominees presented by Governors in numerous States.
The Alliance noted that despite the National Gender Policy’s provision, which mandates that at least 35 percent of Appointive Positions be allocated to Women, the data from six States with Constituted Executive Councils Indicated troubling neglect of this Policy.
For example, in Osun State, only two out of 25 appointed Commissioners are Women, accounting for a mere 8 percent of the State Cabinet.
In Taraba State, which has appointed the highest number of Female Commissioners thus far, only seven out of 21 appointed Commissioners are Women, representing 33 percent of the State cabinet.
Furthermore, the Alliance denounced the recurring Practice of Appointing the Children or Relatives of Former Governors and Influential Political Figures as Commissioners in various States.
This practice Perpetuates Undemocratic and Nepotistic tendencies, fostering the creation and maintenance of Political dynasties, which undermine good Governance.
The Alliance argued that this Practice allows a select few with power and Influence to secure appointments for their family members, regardless of Competence.
Such Appointments enable these prominent Political figures to exert lasting Influence within the Government and consistently shape decision-making processes.
Mr. Edetaen Ojo, the Chairman of the Alliance’s Steering Committee and Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) emphasized the Importance of adhering to the National Gender Policy and other Inclusive Instruments.
He stressed that achieving Gender Equity and diversity in Executive Councils at both Federal and State levels is vital for enhancing Social cohesion and creating a more equitable Society where all Individuals feel a sense of belonging.
Ojo maintained that Inclusion and diversity in Representation are fundamental in a Democratic Governance system and should not be treated as a Discretionary privilege granted solely by the Governor.
