…Appeals for Inclusion of USD Women in State Executive Cabinet
The Commander of Ibom Community Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon has assured the protection of Akwa Ibom Women and a significant reduction in the rate of sexual and other forms of violence perpetrated against them and other persons, if not totally eradicated through the instrumentality of the Ibom Community Watch.
Isantim Kenneth Okon who was the Chairman of the event said ensuring the safety of women and children, as vulnerable groups in the State, alongside other obligations, form the core responsibility of the Security Outfit launched on 14th December, 2023 by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The Coordinator of the Neighbourhood Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon made above known in his Chairman’s opening remarks at the new year thanksgiving celebration of Uyo Senatorial District Women Forum with the theme, “Arise, shine; for your light has come” held at the Forum’s permanent site, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo on Wednesday, 10th January, 2024.
“If you read through the law that established the Ibom Community Watch, the Security Outfit is established to protect women, properties and to stop crime in our society.
“Based on this core mandate, I am assuring you that sexual and other gender based violence will be reduced, if not totally eradicated in the State”.
Considering the vital role of women in politics and the highest numbers of votes garnered from them, the Dean, College of Special Advisers to the Governor also made case for the non-inclusion of women from Uyo Senatorial District in the State Executive Council and appealed for same during next cabinet reshuffling.
“This is the only Senatorial District that we do not have a woman in the State Executive Council. It is very necessary that we should have 35% women inclusion in Uyo Senatorial District. Your Excellency, I am appealing that when next the State Executive Council will be reconstituted, noble women of characters from this Senatorial District should be appointed as Commissioners”, he appealed.
Hence, Isantim Kenneth Okon urged women from the Senatorial District to arise, take their rightful position in the State as the leader of all Senatorial Districts in the State, owning to their ownership of the Governor and Wife of the Governor.
The Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor further donated to and also coordinated fund donation for the Women Forum Secretariat project.
©Mary Ekere