Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, has unveiled a plan to achieve gender parity in his cabinet if he becomes the President of Nigeria. Speaking at an event in Port Harcourt, Amaechi announced that he would split his cabinet into two equal parts, comprising 21 male and 21 female ministers. This move aims to demonstrate that performance is not determined by gender.
Amaechi, who intends to contest the presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, emphasized the importance of equal opportunities for both men and women. He stated that the cabinet positions would be filled based on merit, with a focus on performance rather than gender. The former governor also highlighted his plan to allocate a significant number of ministerial positions to young people, with 10 or 11 out of the 21 ministerial positions reserved for youths.
The proposed cabinet structure is expected to comprise a mix of experienced individuals and young leaders, with women and men having an equal share of ministerial positions. Amaechi’s plan also takes into account the age diversity of the ministers, with women and men of various ages, including those above 40, 50, and 60, being considered for appointments.
Amaechi’s announcement has sparked interest in his presidential aspirations, with many Nigerians awaiting further details on his policy plans and vision for the country. As the election season approaches, the former governor’s commitment to promoting gender equality and youth empowerment is likely to be a key aspect of his campaign.
The African Democratic Congress, Amaechi’s chosen platform, is one of the several political parties gearing up for the upcoming elections. With the electoral landscape becoming increasingly competitive, Amaechi’s proposal for a gender-balanced cabinet is seen as a strategic move to appeal to a broader range of voters, particularly women and young people.
As the presidential election draws near, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how Amaechi’s plans unfold and how his message of equality and empowerment resonates with the electorate. With his cabinet proposal, Amaechi has set the stage for a potentially lively debate on gender representation and youth participation in Nigerian politics.