Group cautions politicians against luring women with gifts during elections
The Coalition of Northern Groups, has called on the National Assembly to protect the interest of Nigerians especially women who make up a significant portion of voters in the country.
The National Coordinator of the CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, said this a national conference organised by the CNG Women’s Wing in Kano.
The conference drew over 1,000 women from across the region under the theme: “The Position of Northern Nigerian Women on the Controversial Tax Reform Bills.”
Charanchi said that women were targeted for the conference due to the critical role they play in elections, as they constitute a significant number of the electorate.
He, however, expressed concern about how politicians exploit women by luring them with gifts such as spaghetti, detergent, matches, and soap during elections, urging them to stop and address their long-term needs.
He criticized the economic hardships caused by high taxes, particularly the Value Added Tax rate of 7.5 percent and called for its reduction to three percent.
“We are here to re-emphasize our call on the National Assembly to do the needful. Let them protect the interest of Nigerians, especially women, who make up a significant percentage of voters.
“The current economic policies are burdensome and inhumane, leaving over 90% of Nigerians suffering under critical economic hardship,” Charanchi said.
Charanchi also highlighted the rising cost of living, including food, education, and healthcare, and expressed disappointment in policymakers.
“Nigerians today are buying a bag of rice at over N100,000, paying skyrocketing electricity tariffs, and struggling with exorbitant transportation costs. These harsh policies are unacceptable,” he added.
In her remark, Hajia Fatima Abdullahi, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Enlightenment and Social Mobilization, said the conference was not just about fiscal policies, but about amplifying the voices of Northern women in legislative decisions.
“This conference is about highlighting the unique challenges facing Northern women. Economic inequality remains a significant obstacle for us, and it is crucial that our concerns are represented in discussions on national reforms,” Abdullahi said.
Mrs. Pamela Nanle, National Director of Women Affairs for CNG, explained the purpose of the conference, emphasizing grassroots sensitization.
Former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Salihu Sunuhu Muhammad, praised the resilience of women in advocating for reforms.
“Women are not fragile; they are strong and committed. Their mobilization is crucial in ensuring that the tax reform benefits all Nigerians and does not burden the majority,” he said.