Getting your man to support you in politics is not a one day affair- Prof. Remi Sonaiya, KOWA presidential candidate, 2015

‘I’m not an advocate of women having separate political party’

ADAEZE AMOS

It took place on the 8^th of March, to commemorate the International Women’s Day, and the venue was Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. Women from all walks of life were seated at 9.45 am when the program kicked off. The guest speaker in the person of Professor Remi  Sonaiya, the 2015 Presidential candidate of KOWA Party spoke extensively on the theme: ‘Women in Leadership and good governance’.

The Amazon who obtained a Bachelor of Arts in French from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1977, graduating with the best result in her faculty encouraged women to jettison fears and doubts if they want to venture into politics. She also relieved her experience in active politics and how her husband gave her his full support. “My greatest supporter was my husband. He encouraged me a whole lot. He gave me one million naira and that was my starting point. He was there for me. It’s good to have your husband’s support in whatever you want to do especially in politics. But remember this can’t just start with you just saying today you must support me. What you should ask yourself is what have you built on over the years. This is important. Have you had the relationship where your man really comes to respect your judgment? You just don’t wake up one day and say you must support me in this venture. You know what I’m trying to say (she giggles)? Getting your man to support you in politics is not a one day affair,” she enthused.

'Advantages of women in government have been proven’

   

But was this independent researcher and consultant who joined KOWA party and was elected as its National Public Relations Officer, a position she still occupies  never for once nursed some fears about being attacked? Which of course is common with women? “No, never! I wasn’t afraid. I would want to advise women not to be afraid to join politics. The main thing you have to do before joining politics is to conquer fear! A lot of women are afraid. You usually hear them ask what if this happens to me or that happens to me. It is honestly fear that keep many women away from politics. Always remember that we owe our nation the duty to contribute to her development. After all, the advantages of having women in government have been proven over and over again. Let’s not pretend that we don’t know about it. Let’s all be bold to come out and be willing to contribute,” she counseled.

Women are many in public services and corporate institutions but when it comes to active politics they are few in number. And this somehow has refused to change. “Exactly what I’m saying. There are a lot of women in public service, permanent secretaries in ministries and so on but it is mainly in the area of politics that women have been short out for a long time and that is precisely what I’m hammering on. The fear of violence, corruption, late night meetings, negative perception of politics and so on and so fort tend to keep many good people (women) away from politics. But if political parties are willing to encourage the women to be full participants in politics and not just chair leaders or people who would accompany the men, tie big headgear or whatever, then the nation would reap the benefits of having competent women serve her,” she stressed.

But does this wife of Babafunso Sonaiya, a professor of Animal Science, mother of two grown children and two grand sons see today’s female children as those that would  portray womanhood well in future? “I’m not good at predicting the future. What I know is what we can do now to prepare our girls for the future. I believe that we should protect our young children. Just look at the rape incidences  of three years old, seven years old here and there? Kidnapping and abduction here and there? It’s not right. A nation that is responsible cannot leave vulnerable children unattended to like they are doing. The police have to step up their game. For instance the case of a 13-year-old Ese is really disturbing to the human mind. How can somebody just go to a girl’s parents’ house grab her, travel out of the state, convert her into another religion and married her by force. It took so long for her to be rescued and that is not something that should have happened. We really hope that it does not happen again. We really have to take good care of our children there by ensuring our future,” she advised.

Though she is proud of being a woman and fights the cause of women, she is passionate about issues of justice, equity and African development but she has never for once been in support of women having separate political party. “I’m not an advocate of women having separate political party. We all live together, men and women, so, there is no need to separate women from men in politics,” she opined.