Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto says competency should be the yardstick for giving women political appointments.
He, however, backed the agitation for 30 per cent political appointment for women into various political offices in the country.
He explained that the appointments should not be for wives of politicians who already hold public offices but for those that would contribute positively to the development of Nigeria.
In a keynote speech at the Parents Summit organised by the Edo State Government as part of activities to mark the 2023 Education Week in the state, he declared, “I am fully in support of women getting 30 per cent of power in Nigeria but it cannot be the same women whose husbands are already holding power in Abuja and across the country.”
He added that it is nothing personal, but the politicians should not bring their wives, mistresses and daughters to become ministers and senators, stressing that if they are going to do 30 per cent, it must go to women who represent the common people.
Bishop Kukah lauded the efforts of Governor Godwin Obaseki in repositioning the education sector but decried the insecurity in the country, assuring that education remained the cure for terrorism and banditry in the country.
He lamented that the country is now being ravaged and threatened by the forces of darkness, those who have said no to humanity and education, whether they manifest themselves in the murderous and destructive excesses of Boko Haram or banditry.
He added that not only have they destroyed the image of the country, they have also destroyed the image of religion.
Kukah said that Nigeria would have no future without resisting such evil forces if it failed to fight with everything it takes.
