Nigeria's First Female President

There is a lot going on in the Nigerian political scene right now as we approach 2015 elections. Sometimes when things get too much, it is wise to take a step back, catch a breath, clear the head and then return to the situation with a different approach. The new approach for Nigeria might be one that we have never considered before; a female President.

As a young girl, I had ambitions to become Vice President of Nigeria, note I said Vice President not President. It wasn't until many years later that I analysed my ambition and realized that I had been programmed to see myself as second to a man. I have over time and with great effort managed to shake off that burden but the majority believe it, and enforce it, and so it remains embedded in our culture. Something needs to be done to drive equality of the sexes for progress.  This will only happen if more females are elected into government, rather than the token few that we currently have.

Many would sneer at the mention of a female President. 'A woman?' I hear many say with disbelief, 'has she finished making soup for her husband?' others mock. Even her fellow women shout 'God forbid!'. Such is the opposition that a female candidate would come against in her race to Aso Rock and actually, in a race to any government position. So entrained is the belief in our society that a woman must come under the rule of a man, that many, including women would not even permit the thought to cross the threshold of their mind. Finally, after so many years of 'same old-same old', a golden opportunity is being presented. A different option has appeared on the horizon in the form of a female Presidential candidate.

Remi Sonaiya is the Kowa party Presidential candidate. She has delivered a powerful manifesto worth considering. Unlike other manifestos, Remi's promises to establish equality within the society and, if delivered, will see a reduction in crime, an increase in respect for citizens by the police, access to normal services by disabled and aged persons, protection of females from all forms of abuse, an increase in literacy levels among the populace, and much more. Many of our social problems are highlighted as areas for attention in her manifesto, and if she succeeds in delivering even half of what is promised, then we would have made a lot of progress towards establishing a just and equitable society.

Nigerians, we now have a chance to do things differently. Are we ready for change?