The Women for 35% Initiative of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation has condemned the impeachment of the Executive Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen.
In a statement signed by its Founder and Convener, Amb. AJU Elumelu, in Abuja, the organisation says Allen was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and sworn into office on May 29, 2024.
The statement describes the development as a setback for women’s participation in political leadership, noting that Allen was the only female among the eight elected Local Government Chairmen in the state.
It alleges that the chairman had faced pressure, intimidation and political harassment over her reported refusal to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The organisation states that it had monitored the situation without making public statements, hoping that the matter would be resolved through dialogue.
It, however, expresses concern that the situation had now resulted in Allen’s impeachment.
The statement also raises concerns over reports that Diepreye Rosline Yankee, a councillor and Leader of the House, has been sworn in as Acting Chairman of the council.
According to the statement, Women for 35% says the development raised questions about political freedom, democratic principles and the safety of women in public office.
It stresses that its campaign was not about supporting any political party but about protecting women’s participation in governance and ensuring that elected women are allowed to serve their mandates without intimidation or coercion.
The statement calls on relevant authorities, democratic institutions, civil society groups and women’s organisations to closely monitor developments in Sagbama and ensure that the rights of elected officials are protected.
It also urges all parties involved to pursue constitutional and legal channels to resolve the matter peacefully and transparently.
Women for 35% adds that the struggle for 35 per cent affirmative action should go beyond getting women into political offices to creating an environment where they can remain, lead and complete their mandates.
The statement to continue to advocate for a political system where women are respected and protected after winning elections.
