Discrimination against women in politics is undemocratic – Sen. Aisha

Senator Aisha Alhassan of Taraba North on Saturday described the perception that women have no equal rights with men in active politics as a clear negation to the principles of democracy.

The All Progressives Congress senator said this at a news conference in Jalingo, in reaction to sentiments shared by some people in the state over who is fit to contest the 2015 governorship election.

“There has been agitation that a female senator was unfit to run for the governorship of the state come 2015.

“This sentiment is not only anti-people, but one that cannot stand the test of time in this modern time where competence and vision of a candidate should be the focus.

“Our people still believe in this primordial sentiment at this computer period, as for me, I don't see myself as a woman, but a leader.

“The question they should be asking is, can I perform when elected? Or, do I have the interest of the people at heart?

“The answer is yes, because a woman does not have big ambitions compared to our men, the ambition to build big houses, buy expensive cars and even aircraft.

“The biggest ambition of every woman is to see her children grow up and become responsible people in the society,” she said.

Alhassan dispelled the rumour making the rounds that the 2015 governorship position of the state has been zoned to southern Taraba.

“Zoning is unconstitutional. Even if zoning exists, it is a PDP affair and you know that Senator Aisha is a card carrying member of the APC.

“If you are conversant with the political history of Taraba, there was no governorship election that was not contested by candidates from the three zones of the state.