Osun 2018: Pan African Women Projects, NGO Urges Women To Resist Monetary Inducement

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

No fewer than 1000 Osun women on Saturday thronged the streets of Osogbo, the state capital, to sensitise the electorate, especially women on the need to resist all forms of intimidation, harassment and monetary inducements during the September 22nd governorship election in the state.

Led by the Head, Pan African Women Projects, Dr Mrs Eno Udensi, the women took off from Ogo-Oluwa area and ended the rally at the INEC Osogbo office.

Speaking, Mrs Udensi urged Osun women to resist all forms of intimidation, harassment and monetary inducement during next week Saturday’s governorship poll.

She added that the road show was a way of reaching out to women with a view to sensitising them on the need to participate actively in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Mrs Udensi who expressed displeasure at the conduct of the electorate and politicians in the recently concluded Ekiti state governorship election, said women should reject money-bag politicians who believe they can only win elections through monetary inducement.

She noted that women are very critical to the development of any nation, hence the need for Osun women to participate actively in the coming election in the state.

She reminded the women that they have more voting percentage than any other voting group in the country and urged them to use their votes to elect leaders, who would effect positive change in the society.

She warned them to be mindful of politicians reportedly going about collecting voter cards from ‘unsuspecting’ members of the public in exchange for jobs, money and other material gifts.

Mrs Udensi further advised them to ensure that their children and wards were not used for political thuggery, before, during and after the elections.

“Do not engage in actions that will hinder the development of the state and mortgage the future of your children and those yet unborn.

“Those of you who are yet to collect your PVC should go and collect it in order to qualify to participate in choosing your governor “.

Echoing a similar view, the Deputy Head, Pan African Women Project, Mrs Louette King said the sensitisation rally was to educate stakeholders on the need to ensure a credible guber poll in the state.

Mrs King further urged the women not to make choices that could compromise their conscience during the election.

Also speaking, Osun APC women leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fafokunde urged women to warn their children to desist from all activities capable of causing crisis in the state.

Chief Mrs Alice Omowumi Otunla, PDP women leader appreciated the organiser of the programme, saying the programme complimented what they had been telling their people on the need to come out and vote for their preferred candidate.

Osun state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje urged all eligible women to come out on Saturday, September 22 and vote for the candidate of thier choice.

CityMirrorNews reports that Pan African Women Projects is a non governmental organisation based in South Africa.