I Remain in Politics – Philomena Ihenyen

Princess (Mrs.) Philomena Okojie Ihenyen, PDP South-South Secretary was on Monday, May 9, 2016 a guest speaker at the ITV Town Hall Meeting. She delivered her lecture on “Women Participation in Politics (The Road to 2016 Election in Edo State)”.

Mrs. Ihenyen advised those present that she was here as a voice for all Edo women. Her lecture which brought to light women from past who had added value and changed history throughout the course of time in Nigeria, she also highlighted the contributions of women who had been appointed to positions of great responsibility since the second democracy which began in 1999.

She noted that those discussed were “carefully selected not just for their personal attributes and political sagacity, but for the conservative, strong, cultural and traditional societies of their origin in which male chauvinism is a trademark. Yet in spite of these cultural and traditional gender prejudices prevalent in their times and places of origin as barriers, they were undaunted and against all odds and drawbacks, excelled in their given opportunities to make the difference that have now become legendary landmarks in the political history of their nations, communities and the world at large.”

She then charged those present with the following reflections:

• When will the Nigerian woman politician be recognized on her own merit to vie for legislative and executive offices at the highest level, as now happens in the judiciary?
• When shall a level playing field come to be in the Nigerian political terrain, that women politician will be motivated to dare on their own to seek election to any office of their choice without looking over their shoulder to a looming male shadow?

Mrs. Ihenyen then explained that she remained in politics not to seek personal comfort, but to work hard towards the enthronement of a just social system, where hard work is adequately rewarded and poverty is alleviated to tolerable limits; to mobilize and educate every Edo woman to be politically conscious and emancipated to the point of realizing the true value of her vote and not to sell it cheaply for a “mudu” of rice or garri; to push for electoral reforms such as to establish a level playing ground for all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, tribe or status; to see that true democracy is entrenched in our body-polity, such that the very brightest and best amongst us emerge to leadership position at various levels; and finally to see Edo state translate its enormous potential into reality and become truly the heartbeat of the nation.

She emphasized that with the large number of women voters, more women can be elected into office.

Mrs. Ihenyen is a well-rounded individual and she remains active in politics. She is tagged by a large following of women who believe in her ability to function as deputy governor of the state.  Mrs. Iheyen is fully equipped with the background, qualifications, education and meets all constitutional requirements to be the deputy governor of Edo State as was seen in Ekiti State and now Rivers State. She also comes from the Edo Central Senatorial District where the Peoples Democratic Party zoned the position of Deputy Governor.

Also present at the town hall meeting were, Mrs. Lindsay Sorae, the PDP State Women Leader, Mrs. Okosun, the PDP Edo Central Senatorial Women Leader and Mrs. Maria Osamoje, PDP Edo North Senatorial Women Leader and many others.

May God bless Edo State.