Source: Leadership Nigeria News
Political parties in the country have been urged to produce more women candidates in the 2015 general elections. Hajiya Halima Alfa, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the call in a statement issued and signed by her to commemorate the 2014 Democracy Day on Thursday.

According to her, women by their population deserve to be given more elective and appointive positions.

She commended women for being part of the success story of Nigeria's democracy and advised them not to waiver in their resolve to play major roles in the emergence of new Nigeria.

Alfa lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing 13 women as ministers and many others as chief executives of government establishments.

She also commended Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi for assisting women in the state during the 2013 local government council elections in the state.

The politician, who declared her intention to run for Kogi East senatorial seat in 2015, commended Nigerians for sustaining the country's democracy in the past 15 years.

She, however, urged public office holders to do more for the people, especially those residing in rural areas.

On his part, Senate Minority Leader, Sen. George Akume, had urged Nigerians to hold government accountable for its actions and inactions.

In a statement to commemorate the 2014 Democracy Day signed by Mrs Beckie Orpin, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minority Leader, Akume said "I urge all of us to continue to hold government accountable for its actions and inactions.''

He urged Nigerians to remain resilient and steadfast in the quest for peace, equity and justice, adding that the country was going through a challenging period where so many citizens have died.

Akume said "this Democracy Day celebration will avail us the opportunity to reflect deeply on the character of our dear nation and to take stock of how well the democracy we celebrate today has served us.

"It will be untrue to say we all are having it good and easy in the face of the prevailing circumstances such as the daunting security challenges in the country.

"However, as we have shown that our unity is only getting strengthened by these many challenges, I am certain that our ability to conquer these tempestuous times together will make Nigeria a greater nation.'' (NAN)

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