Gender Advocate, Rita Daniels Rallies Support For Lauretta Onochie

Leader of women’s wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief (Mrs) Rita Daniels Chukwuji, says she is in solidarity with the chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Lauretta Onochie, as she has demonstrated capacity to pilot affairs of the commission.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Abuja, Mrs. Daniels said Onochie is a sad example of how women have been subjected to unwarranted attacks in the country just for being females, and called on Nigerians to have a re-orientation of the mind.
She said the disenchantment that greeted the nomination of Onochie as NDDC chairman because of her closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari as his aide was needless and resonated how women had been limited by the system from giving their best in efforts to serve the country.
“As someone with the interest of women, I stand in solidarity with Chief Lauretta Onochie and all women who have faced society-induced attacks because of their gender.
“Her recent political persecution, including her suspension from her party which has now been reversed is a clear indication that gender-based attacks are very common in Nigeria and must be dealt with.
“In a short while, the once comatose NDDC is now gaining a new life, fulfilling the aims and objectives for which it was created. Kudos to the first female chairman ever.
“I appeal to women across the country to support theirs and shun antagonistic gestures that will reverse the gains being made to have more women representation in government”, she said.

She further described Onochie as a grassroots mobilizer who has attracted the love and support of Anioma women through several philanthropic and humanitarian projects she had embarked upon