In a dramatic twist and passing a statement that am comfortable working with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen early on Monday dropped her senatorial ambition, ABUJAPRESS reports.
Tallen had purchased the form to contest the APC form to contest the Plateau South Senatorial election.
Tallen, alongside other ministers, who have political ambition were expected to resign today.
However, Tallen said consultations with her constituents she has decided to withdraw from the race.
She made this known in a statement issued on Monday.
In a statement, she personally signed titled: "PRESS STATEMENT ON THE STATUS OF HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS RESIGNATION," and made available to ABUJAPRESS, Tallen said she took the decision after due consultation with her constituents.
"I stand here today thankful to God for His abiding faith in my life and for the multiple opportunities for me to serve this country in various capacities, humbled by the love, support and commitment shown me by well-meaning Nigerians, with the intent for the good of the great people of the Southern Senatorial District of Plateau State. Mindful of the task before us, I am deeply grateful for the trust vested in me as we all strive to make meaningful contributions for the greater good of our country as a whole.
"Women groups and other stakeholders had thought it wise to purchase an expression of interest form under the APC for me to participate in the forthcoming elections. I would like to thank and assure all my supporters that while their intention was well conceived, my current work in superintending the numerous projects for Mr President as Women affairs Minister require my undivided attention.
"Additionally, whilst their quest is a good move in support of the clamour for more Women in elective and appointive positions, and considered to be critical in addressing the Gender question, I am compelled to focus on the foundations we have laid towards the advancement and realisation of gender equality in leadership positions in the country.
"I wish to thank Mr. President for his commitment to the advancement of Nigerian Women and his acclaimed promise to support and spotlight the importance of Women in our society. Our nation has a long standing commitment in overcoming the challenges that inhibit Women from bringing about positive changes and the requisite impacts when given a place at the table of decision making. My appointment as the Minister of Women Affairs is indicative of this progress and I cannot lose sight of this opportunity.
"Our quest for gender equality and broadening access to enable Women to participate meaningfully in Nation building, is at the heart of my desire to unlock the potentials of women to bring about positive change in the history of Nigeria. The instruments with which we aim to bring about these changes may be new but the values upon which our success rests is most critical, if appreciable, progress is to be made in fulfilling our well conceived gender agenda," she explained.
According to the 'confused' Minister, "I remain resolute as I continue to relish the opportunity to serve Nigerian Women in my capacity as Minister of Women Affairs under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Consequently, I wish to inform you all that following broadbased consultations and interventions from critical stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from running for the senatorial seat mindful of our accomplishments and the notable progress we have recorded under my stewardship at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. Above all, as we celebrate our modest achievements, we are also conscious of the opportunities and achievements yet to be harnessed for Nigerian Women under this administration.
"As a humble servant of Nigerian Women, I am overwhelmed by the hard work, courage, patriotism and loyalty displayed by Women and I remain resolute to ride on these foundations to enable us build solid structures to yield strategic progress to add through our history. I wish to thank the First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Buhari, the team from my constituency and all well-wishers who have consistently stood by me through the years, you are deeply appreciated!"
She concluded: "With profound gratitude and great humility, I have decided to voluntarily step down from the Senatorial race sequel to the yearnings of Women and other well meaning Nigerians who see the need for a strong voice for Women at the Senate having consulted widely with my family, well-wishers and supporters conscious of the role I play for Women in Nigeria today! So to all Nigerian Women and young girls who have raised concerns as to what next, rest assured that I, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG have not submitted any resignation letter and therefore, it is my decision not to go ahead with this request but carry on as the Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
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My darling Sister and Honourable Minister of Women Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr (Mrs) Pauline Tallen, I wish to congratulate you on your decision to retain your Ministerial Portfolio rather than join the multiplicity of voices in the Red Room of the NASS. You are at a better vantage podition to make a difference in the process of empowering and emancipating Nigerian women, girls and female legislators, believe me.
ReplyDeleteAs a Senator, you may submit Bills, make a great presentation to your colleagues, but the Bill might get ran over and ran down by the male dominated Senate. Your sweet but lone voice may not be able to bring about the required support.
Nevertheless, as Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, you occupy an influential position in Gender Supported Policy position that can lead to the Integration of the Major Concerns of Women in Planning and National Development. You remain in a vantage position also to receive proposals from Women Groups and NGOs, set up Committees across the national and social divide to examine such proposals and emerge with the best policies imaginable to upscale the lot of Nigerian women.
There's also the influence you wield on behalf of Nigerian women at the international level in policies and agreements which opportunities you wouldn't have as a Senator.
Therefore, I fully support your decision to remain the Mother of Women and Cabinet Minister of Women Affairs as you're not attracted by the money but by the duty of care which you have been displaying .
Congratulations dear Sister for a wise move. I therefore disagree with the use of the adjective "confused" used in the above publication please.
Tokunbo Lijadu-Oyemade.
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