Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, has made a significant pledge. He promised a gender-balanced federal cabinet if he emerges President of Nigeria in 2027. Women, he stated, would fill half of all ministerial slots.
Amaechi announced this commitment on Monday in Lagos. He spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration of the Nigeria chapter of the World Women Organisation.
This initiative, he explained, is a core part of his governance plan. He firmly believes that leadership should be based on competence, not gender.
The former governor has indicated his presidential ambition for 2027. He emphasized that women’s inclusion would be evident and measurable right from the start of his potential presidency.
Details of Amaechi’s Cabinet Pledge
Amaechi clarified how this would work. The federal cabinet, typically comprising about 42 ministers, would be equally divided.
“There will be 21 male and 21 female,” Amaechi stated. He added that gender should never be a factor in questioning anyone’s ability.
He further noted that young women would also be part of this representation. “Ten or eleven positions will go to the youths,” he said. The remaining slots would be shared among women of various age groups and backgrounds.
Amaechi stressed that cabinet roles for women are not mere symbolic gestures. Instead, they are positions earned through merit and capability.
“Women must understand that these appointments are not simply because they are women,” he asserted. “It’s because they are well-equipped for the roles.”
He added that all appointments, including lawmakers, young leaders, and political allies, must be based on readiness and capacity. Compassion, he noted, should not be the determining factor.
Addressing Discriminatory Practices and Unity
Delving deeper, Amaechi recalled his past support for legislative reforms. As former Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, he backed widow protection laws. These laws helped to reduce harmful cultural practices.
He warned that discriminatory norms still significantly hinder women’s progress. They also limit women’s access to education.
Amaechi also expressed concern about women impeding their own advancement. He cited avoidable internal conflicts. He believes unity among women would foster broader support for their inclusion. “If women stop fighting themselves, men will be encouraged,” he stated.
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